Bellewstown is located 11km south of Droghena - on the Hill of Crockafotha in County Meath. This village is named after Darren Bellew who led the villagers to revolt against the infamous O'Shulleabhan clan in 1407. This location is resplendent, giving beautiful views of the Mountains of Mourne to the north and Irish sea to the east.
They say if you breath deeply you can ''smell freshly mown hay and the taste of strawberries and cream''.
It has a rich horse racing heritage.
Did you know in 1780, that mayor of Droghena, George Tandy, persuaded King George III to sponsor a race in Bellewstown? It was valued at £100 and called His Majesty's Plate. English monarchs continued to sponsor races until 1980, when Queen Elizabeth sadly discontinued the race.
The first publication regarding horse racing in Bellewstown can be found in the Dublin Gazette and Weekly Courier in 1726.
If you know about Bellewstown then the chances are that you have heard about the infamous betting scandal known as The Yellow Sam Betting Coup in 1975. It was linked with professional gambler Barney Curley.
The racecourse holds two meetings a year: 3 days in the first week of July and 2 days in August.
Flat course:
A sharp left handed oval over 9 furlongs with a 3 furlong - up hill - finish. A low draw has an advantage in sprints.
National Hunt:
A sharp left handed oval over 9 furlongs with a 3 furlong - up hill - finish. There are 5 hurdles on the circuit.
Location
The racecourse is just 23 miles from Dublin and 7 miles south of Drogheda. The Dublin airport is a similar distance.
Contact details:
Bellewstown Racecourse
9 Palace Street
Drogheda
County Meath
Ireland
Tel: 353 41 984 2111
Fax: 353 41 984 7566
Website: http://www.bellewstownraces.ie/
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