The Emerald Isle is home to a wide range of dog racing venues, from large modern stadiums, such as Dundalk, to those that are somewhat smaller in scale. Falling firmly into that latter category is this track which lies just to the west of the town from which it takes its name.
Whilst on the small side, Enniscorthy Greyhound Stadium is one of the nation’s more consistent greyhound racing venues. Whilst many larger operations have come and gone over the years, Enniscorthy has ticked along nicely since first opening for business back in 1932. Providing a steady stream of quality entertainment, usually every Monday and Thursday evening at the time of writing, the track crams a lot of character into its small stature.
What’s On Offer at Enniscorthy?
Officially recognised by the Irish Greyhound Board, the track provides a double dose of weeknight action courtesy of its regular Monday and Thursday evening fixtures. These usually consist of an eight or nine-race card and the first event normally gets underway at 8pm, with the last finishing shortly before 10pm. The seasonal highlight at the track comes in October with the annual running of the RED MILLS Future Champion Unraced Stakes.
Track Information
Whilst the majority of greyhound tracks are almost completely flat throughout, the home straight at Enniscorthy climbs steadily to the line, placing additional demands upon the stamina of the competitors and also their agility. This is certainly something to look out for as not all dogs take to it.
- Sprint Distance – 350y
- Middle Distance – 525y (standard) – 550y – 575y
- Stayers Distance – 600y – 750y
- Marathon Distance – 830y – 1005y
What Can You Expect?
General admission at Enniscorthy is priced at a standard €10 for adults and €5 for OAPs, whilst all students and children under 12 go free. In addition to the standard entry, the track offers an excellent value special admission deal. Priced at around €15 for most meetings, the package includes entry, a €5 free bet, racecard, a drink (beer or mineral water), and burger and chips. Note that special entry packages must be booked and paid for in advance.
Being a smaller track, Enniscorthy Greyhound Stadium doesn’t provide quite the level of facilities as many higher profile venues. It does, however, provide everything you need for an excellent night at the dogs, including tiered standing areas, an indoor seated section, a café and, most importantly for many, a bar.
How to Get There
The stadium address is Show Grounds, New Ross Road, Enniscorthy, County Wexford, Ireland. The track lies just outside the town centre of Enniscorthy which can be reached directly via the major roads of the M9 and M11. Once in the town, motorists should turn onto the R744 which leads directly to the track where free parking for up to 400 vehicles can be found. Enniscorthy train station sits in the heart of the town centre, only a five-minute drive or 15-minute walk from the stadium.
How to Get in Touch
- Tel: – 053 823 3172
- Email: – enniscorthy.track@gmail.com
- Twitter: – @EnniscorthyStad
What Else Do I Need to Know?
Tales of dog racing in this corner of County Wexford date back to the late 19th century. These early events were, however, infrequent, low-key affairs. It wasn’t until August of 1932 that the track first opened at the current site and a regular programme of Monday and Thursday evening fixtures was introduced.
Original Directors of the Track
Eight local businessmen were behind the building of the track and facilities, with the quartet of Denis O’Brien, James McCrea, William Stamp, and Tim Larkin acting as the track’s original directors. Over the years the business has remained something of a family affair, with future board members including Paul McCrea, Harry Larkin, and Mary and Billy Stamp. Sean and John McCrea, meanwhile have also contributed to the McCrea family business by fulfilling the role of racing manager.
Minor Upgrades to the Stands & Facilities
In truth, little has changed over the subsequent decades, barring a few relatively minor upgrades to the stands and facilities. Whilst never likely to be described as a glitzy or glamorous affair, that understated charm of Enniscorthy only adds to the appeal of a track that, despite its remote location and small market, has played host to several champion performers over the years. Included amongst that number are Mile Bush Pride who went on to win the English, Scottish and Welsh Greyhound Derbies, and English Derby champ Palms Printer.
Supporters Save the Track
Despite that long and stable history, the venue looked to be under real pressure in December of 2019 when the Irish Greyhound Board announced they would be ceasing all funding to the track. Thankfully though, the stadium, which also acts as the base for a number of local clubs, has remained in business following a concerted campaign by supporters.
Enniscorthy Hockey
Seizing on this lifeline, the track has taken the opportunity to further ingrain itself into the community. Coming together with Enniscorthy Hockey in 2022, the site is set to be transformed into a multi-sport venue, featuring a full hockey pitch and related facilities in the centre of the track.
Generally reliable in terms of attendance, and consistently benefitting from one of the strongest trackside betting markets in Irish Greyhound racing, hopefully, the latest developments are a sign that this small but charming venue is here to stay.