Bellewstown

File:Bellewstown Race Course (Geograph).jpg

Bellewstown Racecourse, where the Yellow Sam Betting Coup took place.

Bellewstown (Irish: Baile an Bheileogaigh) is a village located 11km south of Drogheda, on the Hill of Crockafotha in County Meath in Ireland. Named after Darren Bellew, who lead the townspeople to a victory over the infamous O'Shúilleabháin clan in 1407.

Bellewstown Races

In 1780, George Tandy, a former mayor of Drogheda and brother of James Napper Tandy, persuaded King George III to sponsor a race at Bellewstown. The race was called His Majesty's Plate and was valued at £100.

The tradition of summer horse racing at Bellewstown dates back centuries. The first record of racing here appears in the August edition of the Dublin Gazette and the Weekly Courier in . There was originally a cricket ground in the middle of the race track. Racing continues to occur on an annual basis, taking places during the course of the summer. There are currently 2 meetings a year comprising 3 days in July and 2 days in August. The track is a one mile and one furlong left-handed course, featuring both flat and hurdle racing.

Bellewstown village

Amenities in Bellewstown include the primary school, Catholic church, one pub, general convenience shop, GAA grounds, racecourse and golf course.

See also

• List of towns and villages in Ireland