Roscommon Racecourse Racing Tips

Located in the heart of Ireland, Roscommon has been a vibrant hub for horse racing events since 1885. With its dual-purpose course, Roscommon accommodates both National Hunt and Flat races, offering an adrenaline-filled spectacle from May through September. Accessibility is a highlight, with the racecourse situated conveniently close to the town centre, making it an easy transition from thrilling races to relaxing Race Dances at the nearby Abbey Hotel.

Roscommon isn’t just a local delight; it also attracts patrons from far and wide, thanks to its strategic location. It’s a manageable 77 km from Galway and a scenic 145 km journey from Dublin.

We offer our insightful Roscommon horse racing tips to help you navigate this historic and strategically placed racecourse. These tips are designed to ensure that you’re not just part of the crowd but a well-informed spectator ready to experience the thrill of horse racing in Roscommon in all its glory.

Roscommon Racing Tips

Find all today’s latest free horse racing tips including tips for Roscommon from the most respected professional tipsters from UK and Ireland.

Roscommon racecourse history

Unlike other racecourses in Ireland, the British military was the first to hold a meeting in Roscommon racecourse in 1837. At the time, they had a base in town. However, it wasn’t until 1885 that racing began officially. Since then, meetings have been held annually, albeit there was a 12-year break during the 2^nd World War.

When the racecourse started, only one meeting was held. But with time, the number of meetings has increased, and they currently hold nine. Overall, Roscommon racecourse is a relatively small course, as seen in the amenities and facilities it has. But despite this, it offers great value for all its visitors.

The course

The Roscommon course is right-handed, rectangular, flat, and measures 1 mile and 2 furlongs. It has sharp bends which favour speedy horses that like to be ridden upfront. The only portion of the course that’s not flat is the home straight that is 3 furlongs long.

As for the jump course, there are five fences; two located on the back straight and the rest in the home straight after the last obstacle and before the 200-yard run-in. With the fences being infrequent and easy, horses don’t have much of a jumping challenge. However, tackling the bends, especially the second last one, needs skill.

Is there a draw bias?

Well, the course doesn’t have a sprint track. However, for seven-furlong races, there is a decent indication that the outside draw is preferred in races that have 10+ runners.

Roscommon main racing events

Kilbegnet novice Chase

This is a Grade 3 National Hunt Novice steeplechase that’s open to horses older than four years. It is run over 2 miles and 72 yards every year in September or October. The race was upgraded to Grade 3 status in 2007. The first-ever meeting was in 1998 when Nuzum Road Makers won the race.

Lenebane Stakes

This is a listed flat horse race that’s open to thoroughbreds above three years old. It is run at Roscommon over 2,373 meters and is scheduled to take place every year on Ladies Day. This is one of the most prestigious flat races held at Roscommon.

Its name was derived from the townland where Roscommon racecourse is located. The race was first held in 2006. Originally, it was 10 furlongs long, but over time, it has been increased to 12 furlongs.

Where to bet on Roscommon races

Online betting

While you have the option of traditional betting shops, we recommend using online betting sites instead. Below is a quick breakdown of the benefits that online betting sites offer.

Comfort

Online betting sites afford you comfort that traditional betting sites don’t. You can place your bets from the comfort of your home or while on the road, provided you have internet access. In addition, you’ll have access to lots of betting offers and a variety of betting markets any time you please.

Better odds

The beauty of running an online business is reduced overheads. Due to the reduced running costs, online betting sites can afford to give better odds compared to traditional betting shops. Aside from this, online betting sites are constantly running promotions and give offers to new site users to get them started on their betting journey. Though most of these bonuses have wagering requirements, they are a great way for new punters to learn their way around the site and win even more money.

More payment options

Online betting sites serve different markets. As such, most of them has gone ahead to add multiple payment options to accommodate everyone from different continents. As a result, users have a broad range of deposit and withdrawal options. In addition, most deposit options reflect immediately, and withdrawals are fast.

Bet sizes

Online betting sites don’t limit you on your bet size. In traditional betting shops, there is a limit to the size of bets you can place. This is because they need money to keep the shop open. When placing bets online, you dictate how much you want to bet.  However, you should only bet on what you are ready to lose.

Research

Unlike traditional betting shops, online betting shops offer a lot of history on races which help you to place informed bets. This is great for new bettors as they get to learn a lot in a very short time and mitigate the risk involved in the bet.

How to get to Roscommon racecourse

Bus

You can get to Roscommon by bus from Galway, Athlone, Salthill, Eyre Square Shopping Center and many other points in Ireland. However, the closest of them all is Athlone which is 84 minutes away by bus.

Train

Roscommon town is serviced by the Dublin to Westport line. The nearest station is a taxi ride away from the course and is adjacent to a hotel.

Air

Galway Airport and the Ireland West Airport are approximately an hour away from Roscommon.

Over the past couple of years, Roscommon has been improving its facilities, and boy, it has it paid off. Today, they have an incredible set available to visitors. In addition to the Monteledo Bar, which has Tote betting facilities and offers finger food during race days, there is a couple of huge screens displaying lice races.

Moreover, there is a newer upstairs bar on the stand that offers beautiful panoramic views of the surroundings and the track. The full bar is available and can be reserved for private functions hosting up to 150 people.

Although the Roscommon Racecourse isn’t the biggest and most prestigious racecourse in Ireland, it holds its own against them.

Racecourse Tips and Guides List