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THE RACECOURSE
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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. 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 
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.
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