The Laytown Races occupy a unique position in the Irish racing calendar, as Ireland’s only horse racing event run on a beach under the Rules of Racing.

The Flat racing event takes place once a year, every September, on the County Meath strand, on a straight, almost level course. Races are confined to six and seven furlong distances.

The committee led by current Chairman Joe Collins, oversees the organisation of the yearly race meeting alongside manager Kevin Coleman.

People travel from far and wide to witness the spectacle of horse racing on the beach in Ireland, with crowds in excess of 5,000 in attendance on race day.

Laytown Races
Laytown Strand,
Laytown,  
County Meath

+353(0)41 9842111
info@laytownstrandraces.ie
www.laytownstrandraces.ie

History

Local folklore has it that it was the parish priest who, in 1876, organised the first race meeting on Laytown’s three miles of golden strand. Held intermittently since then, it was not until 1901 that local landowner, Paddy Delaney, established the meeting as we know it today. Nothing, not even two World Wars, has stopped it taking place since then.

Laytown races have not changed very much through the years, but they are unique because they are the only grandstand races held in Europe which have the approval of the governing bodies. The enclosure consists of a three acre field, elevated above the beach. Steps which have been built up into the face of the sand dunes and these form the Grandstand. Marquees are erected on the day before the races and these are used to provide a weigh room, bars and snack bars.

On Race Day, the strand is closed from early morning and work on the course then commences. By the time the first race is ready to start the tide has gone out, and racing can begin.

Location

See here for information on how to get to Laytown.