Horse Racing

Clonmel Racecourse Logo

The Racecorse


Clonmel Racecourse (Powerstown Park) has been a popular venue for horse racing for more than 150 years.

The racecourse is a right handed track of one and a quarter miles. It is recognised as a demanding National Hunt course with a stiff uphill climb followed by a gradual downhill run with an uphill finish. Viewing of racing from all points in the enclosure is exceptional. An abundance of mature trees and shrubs enhance the aesthetic quality of the 160 acre racecourse environment. Some of the many famous horses that have ran at Powerstown are Danoli, Dorans Pride, Unsinkable Boxer, Foxchapel King, and Imperial call to mention just a few. Renowned trainers like Aiden O' Brien attend many of our races.

Danoli jumping a fence

The catchment area of the Racecourse includes Cork, Waterford, Kilkenny and Limerick. Waterford Airport is only 30 miles away, while both Cork and Shannon are each a mere 60 mile journey.

The town of Clonmel is a very historic and interesting town which lies at the foot of the Comeragh mountains and is situated in the valley of the broad and beautiful river Suir. Views of the Comeragh mountains can be clearly seen from the racecourse.

HISTORY


Clonmel Racecourse is located to the North of the town of Clonmel.Racing which had been open and free to spectators for over a hundred years was enclosed in 1913 by Villiers Morton Jackson and became the commercially run Powerstown Park racecourse.

Morton Jackson also roped in the bookies to a distinct area of the course, banned gaming side-shows, brought in detectives and police to deter pickpockets and provided entry to a roofless grandstand accommodating 1500 at a charge of two shillings a head.

Since then Clonmel has grown and developed and today it is not uncommon to have in excess of 120 horses running at any one meeting. In 1988 a Supporters Club was formed whose aim is to promote racing at Clonmel by obtaining additional sponsorship, increasing prize money and improving amenities and further encourage local interest and involvement. Extensive refurbishment has been carried out at Clonmel Racecourse during 1998. A new grandstand including a bar and catering complex has been constructed. Along with a new computerised turnstile entrance, the weighroom/jockeys room has also been extensively upgraded and refurbished.

Horses racing

Facilites


Are you looking for an exciting atmosphere in which to socialise with friends or business colleagues? Are you looking for an unique, quality venue for your next function? - Why not consider the facilities available at Powerstown Park.

Powerstown Park offer a variety of options that will delight your guests and satisfy your budget. We can help make your next outing or corporate function a successful and memorial occasion.

Powerstown Park is one of the few racecourses that utilise its facilities and generates additional income from ancillary activities apart from racing. The complex has been rented out by the Pony Club, Caravan Club, Canine Club and the Clonmel Agricultural Show to name but a few.

The location is convenient, with accessible ample parking. The setting is picturesque and the staff are professional, experienced and helpful. The course being a neat, oval course slopes up from the stands, making for good viewing. The upstairs bar of the spacious Club Stand affords a splendid view of the track. The recently constructed grandstand, which included bar and catering facilities, provides excellent viewing under most weather conditions. A third, more remote stand, will also give a very good view of the track.

CORPORATE HOSPITALITY facilities are available in the Main Stand where an area may be reserved. Catering as required, can also be arranged in the Supporters Club Bar which is a spacious bar. This facility is akin to a living room with the warmth of an open fire in the winter meetings and a patio area for those at the summer meetings. There is also a smaller room attached to this bar which is available to small parties. All these areas are fully carpeted and well appointed. The Corporate Suite can cater for 100-150 seated and 200 standing. CCTV and tote betting facilities are featured in this area.

Horses jumping a fence

THE STANDS: The Club Stand has a capacity for 1,000 people whilst the Grand Stand caters for a capacity of 3,500 people.

BARS: There are two large public bars - one which runs the length of the Club Stand provides panoramic views of the track whilst enjoying a cup of coffee or something stronger. It is well equipped and is adequately furnished with tables and chairs. It has its own cloakroom and toilet facilities. The club Stand bar is versatile in that a section may be used as a corporate hospitality area for groups of between 20 and 30 people seated and 50 people standing. CCTV and tote betting facilities are provided in this area.

The second large bar may be found in the Grandstand. Again the bar is fully equipped. A smaller public bar may be found underneath the Supporters Club bar behind the bookmakers ring. The Supporters Club has its own bar which is open to members only and major sponsors on the day.

THE SNACK BAR: There is a snack bar by the parade room which offers tea, coffee, soup and sandwiches. The dining room is a fine spacious airy room which contains a self-service restaurant and dining area. CCTV facilities are in place in this area, and in all public indoor areas.

OTHER FACILITIES: The P.A. (public address) system has excellent acoustics and the race commentaries are articulate and accurate. Closed-circuit TV. provides splendid coverage of racing in all public outlets. It also gives a constant stream of information on betting results. The public telephone may be found inside the new Grandstand. On race days, there are two doctors on duty together with two ambulances. The ambulance room together with the two ambulances are manned by the Order of Malta.

Other facilities include an extensive car park on the grounds of the racecourse that allows FREE parking, a computerised turnstile entrance and an office to deal with customer service.

An animation of a horse

© 2004 Sport in Clonmel.