Sunday, 27-Sep
Today we headed out to The Curragh. It was about an hour bus ride from Dublin, back toward Kildare (home of the Irish National Stud). Today was Ireland's richest day of racing, with the Goff's Millions, and the Million Sprint, as well as 5 other group races like the Boodles Diamond Cup, etc. I bought a Racing Times for the bus ride and away we went.
It was overcast, but luckily not raining! As we arrived, the car park was filling up. Ladies in the most extraordinary outfits and hats were everywhere. Keep in mind - this is the home of the Irish Classic races, and playground for Sheikh Mahktum, and all that sort. Brown Thomas (their version sort of, of Neiman Marcus) sponsored the most stylish lady competition - and it was fierce.
But of course I came for the horses. As I practically sprinted over to the saddling enclosure, I was practically salivating. Lovely beautiful groomed to within an inch of their life horses! The first race was 30 horses going 6 furlings (3/4 mile). One the bus ride I had selected Irish Heartbeat, and now I was determined to go experience the bookmaker's stalls.
I wandered a bit, and finally made my choice. I talked to the man for a few minutes and finally settled for a 2 Euro wager. My horse ran 2nd and I cashed and was thrilled! They run strictly on grass here - Lynn was enchanted with the divot replacing crew. So exciting!
I also cashed on the 2nd race I selected, then decided it was time to go to the gift shop, and get a bite to eat and people watch! What a great day! The feature race had the top 4 finishers seperated by less than a horse length. There was a prize each race for best turned out horse (EVERYone who grooms should take note of this...!) All in all - a great great day.
The traffic jam getting out of the parking lot was not so great - 45 minutes just to get out. But finally made it home and trying to decide what to do with our last day in Dublin!
Showing posts with label The Curragh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Curragh. Show all posts
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Back to Dublin
Saturday, 26-Sep
Today was a sad day indeed, it was goodbye to Arnold's Hotel and Dunfanaghy, and off to Dublin.
Before I detail our Dublin day, I do need to update from last night. Derek and Gerarda Arnold, the owners and operator's of Arnold's hosted drinks and dinner for us, Helen, Niamh and Clair last night. It was a wonderful evening of talking, and stories, and friendship. Derek told us how Helen came to be running the stables (for the last 12 years!). He also told the tale of Paddy Dan Rogers - the King of Tory Island. Yes - the Tory Island you may or may not be able to get to or from has its own king.
Back to Saturday. The McGinnley bus ride was uneventful other than the cows being herded across the road, and then up the other side.
We said goodbye to Maureen, Cyndi and Liane at the Dublin airport and continued on into the city. We caught a cab to our new Dublin residence - Staunton's on the Green. Its a beautiful old Georgian era townhouse - and the room is huge and backs onto a garden, with St. Stephen's Green directly across.
We dumped the luggage and went walking, ending up at the National Museum (archeology). Thank goodness we did, as it is closed Monday, and tomorrow we are going to the races! We say Neolithic, Bronze and Iron age Irish history and pieces, as well as the Bog Men. These are bodies ranging from 400BC to about 400AD found preserved in Irish bogs. Apparently the acidity, temperature and other conditions are perfect for preservation.
We are now back at our hotel for an early night (we were up at 6a) and some Strictly Come Dancing. Tomorrow we are off for Ireland's richest day of racing at The Curragh!
Today was a sad day indeed, it was goodbye to Arnold's Hotel and Dunfanaghy, and off to Dublin.
Before I detail our Dublin day, I do need to update from last night. Derek and Gerarda Arnold, the owners and operator's of Arnold's hosted drinks and dinner for us, Helen, Niamh and Clair last night. It was a wonderful evening of talking, and stories, and friendship. Derek told us how Helen came to be running the stables (for the last 12 years!). He also told the tale of Paddy Dan Rogers - the King of Tory Island. Yes - the Tory Island you may or may not be able to get to or from has its own king.
Back to Saturday. The McGinnley bus ride was uneventful other than the cows being herded across the road, and then up the other side.
We said goodbye to Maureen, Cyndi and Liane at the Dublin airport and continued on into the city. We caught a cab to our new Dublin residence - Staunton's on the Green. Its a beautiful old Georgian era townhouse - and the room is huge and backs onto a garden, with St. Stephen's Green directly across.
We dumped the luggage and went walking, ending up at the National Museum (archeology). Thank goodness we did, as it is closed Monday, and tomorrow we are going to the races! We say Neolithic, Bronze and Iron age Irish history and pieces, as well as the Bog Men. These are bodies ranging from 400BC to about 400AD found preserved in Irish bogs. Apparently the acidity, temperature and other conditions are perfect for preservation.
We are now back at our hotel for an early night (we were up at 6a) and some Strictly Come Dancing. Tomorrow we are off for Ireland's richest day of racing at The Curragh!
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