Ballinrobe racecourse is located northwest of Ballinrobe. It is a dual-purpose racecourse and the only horse racing venue in Mayo. It’s even more special because it’s one of the four racecourses based in Connaught.
Over the years, the course has undergone several improvements. However, these improvements were formally recognized when Ballinrobe won the Racecourse of the Year award in 2012. Though it’s a small one, for those in West Ireland, it’s a great option.
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Racecourse history
Ballinrobe racecourse’s history dates back 230 years ago. So, it is safe to say it has been an important part of the community. The exact details of the races before the First World War are unclear, but we know the course was moved to its present location in 1921.
After the move, top horses have made their debut on the course. A perfect example is Doran’s Pride, who started a winning career in County Mayo racecourse in 1993 in a flat race.
After the 1922 storm that severely damaged the main stand, the racecourse has undergone many serious developments. First, a new 1800-capacity grandstand was constructed with a new boundary wall, sanitary facilities, and turnstiles. The improvements were good enough to convince Tote Ireland to redevelop their building inside the course.
There has also been a steady stream of investment in developments, including improving the banking on the tracks, adding an ambulance track, upgrading stable facilities, and introducing new Jockey and Steward facilities. The most recent upgrade was building a new pavilion and restaurant to provide shelter and fine dining for the racegoers. These additions thoroughly modernized the facilities and made visiting the racecourse all the more worthwhile.
The course
Flat course
Ballinrobe is right-handed and is oval-shaped. It is used for flat racing despite being tight and small. The small finish is on a slope, making it difficult for jockeys to make up ground after negotiating the final bend. Because of this, it’s prudent to ride prominently and get a low draw. Aside from this, speed is a big contributor to which horse wins the race. However, jockeys should know how to control it when negotiating the last corner.
Jumps course
There are two jump tracks to choose from since an extension was built parallel to the old and straight track. The old track is a little tighter and suits jockeys that lead the pack. On the other hand, the new track allows horses to negotiate the final bend at a more relaxed angle. Overall, the obstacles aren’t as demanding, and like the flat course, the ability to take the final sharp turn properly determines whether you win or not.
Main racing events
McHale Mayo National
The McHale Mayo National is part of the two-day National Hunt held between May and September.
Mare Handicap
Together with the McHale Mayo National, the Mare Handicap attracts large crowds. They are the two most valuable events on this racecourse.
Where to bet on Ballinrobe races
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Today, everything is done online, and the betting industry hasn’t been left behind. Despite this, some people still prefer using local betting shops to bet on their favourite horses and jockeys. If you are one of these people, the following are a couple of reasons you should shift camps.
Comfort–Online betting provides you with freedom and comfort that local betting shops don’t offer. You can place your bets from any location – even while at home or when out sharing a meal with friends. Provided you have a smart device with access to the internet, you are set.
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However, different payment platforms have different deposit and withdrawal times. Also, some regions have restrictions.
Range of bet options–Since you are reading this, it’s safe to say that you are looking to place bets on your favourite horse. Online betting sites have these options. However, you’ll find other games you can place bets on, including soccer, football, tennis, cricket, and more. Some online betting platforms even provide sports betting and online casinos to entertain you.
Bet sizes–Placing an online bet doesn’t limit you to a specific bet amount. You can wager any amount you see fit. But while they extend this freedom, they recommend you don’t wager amounts you aren’t willing to lose. And if you dig yourself a hole and they spot an addiction pattern, they can cut you off for a while. Alternatively, you can cut yourself off if you notice something wrong with your betting habits.
Better odds–Unlike traditional betting shops, online betting sites offer great odds. Because they don’t have a lot of overheads, they can make good profits from small margins. With great odds, it means there’s a potential of winning big.
Promotions–Online betting sites are constantly running promotions to stay ahead of the competition and to keep your business. So, occasionally, they’ll give the option of claiming a promo. You can use these promo amounts but only redeem the resulting wins after fulfilling some wagering requirements. So, though the deal is sweet, you should always read the fine print to see if you can meet the wagering requirements within the set deadlines.
How to get to the racecourse
Road
Ballinrobe racecourse is 50km North of Galway and 28km south of Castlebar on the N84. But if you are in Ballinrobe Town, it’s only 2km away.
Rail
The closest railway station to the racecourse is 21km away – the Claremorris.
Air
The Ireland West Airport Knock is 48 km away and is the closest to the racecourse. It has regular flights from different locations in the UK.
If you are flying into Ireland, the Ireland West Airport is your best entry point. You can take a taxi from there or hire a car. There is plenty of parking space when you get to the racecourse, both on-site and around it.
Final thoughts on Ballinrobe
Ballinrobe offers a unique blend of history and modern amenities, making it a standout venue in West Ireland. Its dual-purpose tracks cater to diverse meeting preferences, and with the rise of online betting platforms, participating in the races that take place here has never been more convenient. Whether you’re a local or tuning in from afar, the racecourse provides a racing experience that’s both accessible and engaging.
