Navan is located in County Meath and stages multiple Flat and National Hunt meetings. Race meetings are held every month of the year with August an exception. The Grade 2 Boyne Hurdle and the Group 3 Vintage Crop Stakes, a key trial for the Ascot Gold Cup, are among its annual showpieces.
Navan Racecourse is a left-handed oval of 1 1/2 miles with run in of 3 1/2 furlongs and an uphill, stiff finish, although it is still considered a fair track and draw is not particularly an issue.
The hurdles course, on the inner side of the chase course, houses seven hurdles while there are eight fences on the chase course. The stamina-sapping finish truly tests the staying ability of contenders at the finish and the ground can become very testing which suits horses who enjoy heavy ground.
Navan Racecourse has been racing since September 1921 thanks to the inspiring vision of local farmer and auctioneer Albert Lowry. One of its defining moments was Arkle delighting crowds with his maiden win in 1962 before becoming a three-time Cheltenham Gold Cup hero.
The future of Navan was somewhat in the balance towards the end of the 20th century with its feature event, the Fortria Chase moved to Fairyhouse in 1991. However, following an injection of finance shortly after, the track?s facilities underwent a much-needed upgrade to include new bars and reception rooms which has seen the track prosper since.
