Naas Racecourse is a dual-purpose track located close to Dublin in County Kildare, hosting 15 fixtures per year. The Grade 1 Lawlor?s Hotel Novice Hurdle is the centrepiece of the National Hunt season, held in January, while the Group 3 Blue Wind Stakes is the highlight of the Flat season.
Naas is a left-handed oval of 1 1/2 miles with two shoots of 2 furlongs, from which the 5f, 6f, 7f and 1 mile races begin. The run-in is 4 furlongs with an uphill finish, making it a proper test for horse and rider.
The jumps track houses 8 fences while there are 6 hurdles to be contested on its inner. The jumps course is a fair, galloping track which suits stayers.
Racing at Naas Racecourse was born in 1924 following the establishment of the historic Naas Races Company in 1922 spearheaded by local businessman Thomas Whelan. Each member contributed 200 pounds to the cause and subsequently oversaw its operations. It was in June 1924 that the course staged its first race meeting and from there became a favourite sporting venue among locals.
Racing at Naas is often used as a springboard to the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Derby at Epsom with previous champions, the imperious Gold winner Arkle and Derby victor Ragusa, having been seen in action at the popular track. As such, it is considered an incremental venue and it continues to flourish.
