A beautiful racecourse located just outside Kilkenny, Gowran Park is home to both Flat and National Hunt racing. Notable winners at the track include Aintree Grand National conquerors Numbersixvalverde and Hedgehunter.
Gowran Park is a right handed oval of 1.5 miles (Chase) and 1m and 3 furlongs (Flat) with a run in of 3 furlongs. It comprises notable undulations and a testing uphill finish. The Group 3 Denny Cordell Fillies Stakes held in September is the highlight of the turf season and the track tends to suit those who sit up with pace, due to its sharp turns.
The track consists of six hurdles and seven fences and the Thyestes Chase is considered its feature race of the season, a true staying spectacle which has proven to be one of the best trials for the Irish and UK Grand Nationals. The October Festival is a major draw for racegoers as champions are often seen out in preparation for the main season.
One of the more modern tracks, Gowran Park racecourse was built in 1914 and from its inception hosted both Flat and National Hunt racing. Lord Annaly, Capt. Dermot McCalmont and Isaac Bell, the renowned Huntsman of the Kilkenny Hunt, were among stewards at the inaugural meeting on June 16, 1914.
Jack Duggan became the first Managing director at Gowran Park and oversaw some incremental changes at the course including the first commentary and first televised race at the track.
In 2003, major upgrades took place at the popular racecourse with large funds injected with assistance from Horse Racing Ireland. A brand new grandstand was built and updates to the parade ring and stables were carried out. Racing takes place all year round at Gowran Park and developments are very much ongoing.
