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There are over 25 miles of gallops on the Curragh, and over 700 miles if you count every time they move the markers on the grass gallops. Most of these are within an 800 acre fenced area (keep the sheep out and horses in).
The most popular gallops are the 9f round sand and the 9f straight Old Vic. For clarity there are 8 furlongs in a mile so 9f is 1 and 1/8 miles or 1800 metres.
The Old Vic is a wood chip surface wide enough to fit 5 horses (6 with brave riders and horses). It is a fast surface where horses can reach speeds of over 40mph. It has a gentle incline from bottom to top and horses can enter the gallop at the bottom, 7f or 5f points
Outside the fence there are plenty of gallops too. During January and February we like to use the Fox Covert for the 2yos. It is an easy gallop for them when they are still only yearlings really. Sheep can run about in front of you though so it’s important to be on guard
We have to cross the railway line to get to the Fox Covert and during the winter every bit of water lies in that tunnel
The first work gallop opens in March allows us to sharpen up the older flat horses and find out which 2yos are able for more and which ones we need to back off. Only 7f but a stiff finish on soft ground means you need to know what you are doing
Thanks to @Ohdannyboy77 for this smashing photo taken last spring. It must have been important if we had a committee out to view it
The round sand is very popular, especially with the NH trainers. It is definitely the biggest earner for the Curragh from outside trainers. It is a deep surface and you can exercise over an unlimited distance. I once did 5 laps (5m5f) on a horse that simply didn’t want to stop!
I was 14 and very weak and he just wouldn’t stop for me. It felt like a week going around and around
The final grass gallop inside the fenced training grounds is the Bush. It is used all winter and runs parallel to the back straight on the track. This can get very heavy but it’s a very flat gallop and is only used by jumpers so suits everybody well.
The Bush is a very pretty place. Its quiet and peaceful where you rarely see another horse. It make for great photos
