LONG READ: Tipperary venue is much more than a racecourse

For racegoers who gather in the Club Stand and TA Morris Grandstand to view the action at Clonmel Racecourse, there’s hardly a finer sight among the country’s racetracks than the view across this picturesque course, with Slievenamon, one of the country’s most famous mountains, the centre point of a spectacular backdrop.

Yet, for all that scenery, and the horse racing that takes place there, Clonmel Racecourse, a 165-acre site situated at Powerstown Park on the town’s eastern fringes, is much more than a racecourse.

“It’s a business, a tourist attraction and an amenity,” says Racecourse Manager DJ Histon.

Horse racing has taken place for more than 150 years on this right-handed track of one and a quarter miles, which has a stiff uphill finish. 30 acres of the site are under racecourse and 12 meetings are held there annually.

All of those meetings are held on Thursday, with the exception of the Barbecue meeting which takes place on a Friday evening in early June. Supported by Bulmers, this evening is always a major success and is one of the highlights of the social calendar in the town.

The other main meetings are the Clonmel Oil-sponsored event in November and the Surehaul-sponsored meeting in February.

Outside of horse racing, Powerstown Park is a busy hub.The biggest event of the year that it hosts is the three-day national Coursing Meeting in early February, where all the qualifiers from the provincial meetings held throughout the autumn and winter battle it out for the top prizes. The national meeting is a mecca for hare coursing followers from all over the country and beyond and this year will be held from Saturday to Monday, February 1-3.

“Because it attracts so many people, the economic benefit for the hospitality industry and local businesses is considerable,” says DJ Histon.

“Anything that brings people into the town is an opportunity for businesses to benefit, and we’re always happy to engage with organisations to see if we can facilitate events”.

The many other activities include the annual Clonmel Show, which is now one of the biggest shows in the country, and which has developed over the years under the guidance of what DJ Histon describes as “a very proactive committee.

“It’s attended by people from all over the country.The local voluntary committee who organise the show make a donation to charity from the proceeds of the weekend in early July”.

The annual Pony Club, which is held around the same time, is a great amenity for young people learning to ride, and also serves as a social event.

“It gives them a real life experience,” says the manager.

Throughout the year Powerstown Park also plays host to the Static Classic Car Show organised by the Clonmel Veteran Vintage and Classic Club in early May, and acts as the headquarters for the Tipperary Stonethrowers Rally, which comes under the umbrella of Motorsport Ireland.

UCI Cyclocross Racing is hosted each October by the Clonmel Cycling Club and Slievenamon Cycling Club.

It is also the venue for circuses and walks organised by local schools, as well as a valuable amenity for Clonmel Athletic Club, whose athletes train there. It is equally appreciated by the Brothers of Charity, with its service users and carers enjoying walks in this safe and secure location.

Of course, such a large site with so many activities needs an amount of management. DJ Histon says that the racecourse has a very dedicated and experienced staff to ensure that all the facilities are maintained to a high standard.

The racecourse is served by the renowned caterers, Limerick-based Masterchef; and it also has a very active Racecourse Supporters Club, which has been in existence for the past thirty years.

“We’re fortunate that we’re in a very vibrant town, with lots of industry. Our sponsors are all local and successful businesses and there’s a mutual benefit for the racecourse and its sponsors, where one promotes the other and helps it grow”.

The next development in the offing is a new weighroom building adjacent to the parade ring, which will service all the industry participants. That has been preceded by the upgrade and extension to the existing stable yard area, which has been very well received.

“We’re always on the path of development. You cannot afford to stand still. You have to offer better facilities because your competitors are doing the same,” says DJ Histon.

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