National Hunt Museum plan for Ashbourne

PAUL MURPHY

An ambitious plan to create a national hunt museum in the home of famous racer Arkle – Ashbourne – was rolled out this week by an enthusiastic committee who believe that it will add to Meath’s treasures of tourism attractions.

If the plan comes to fruition, the town would see the establishment of The Arkle National Hunt Museum, with the aim of educating and entertaining the general public, equestrian and academic communities about the importance and value of national hunt racing and associated activities to Ireland’s economic and social life over the centuries. Details of the plan were first unveiled at a recent meeting of the Ashbourne Municipal and then explained by Fine Gael Cllr Alan Tobin to a full meeting of Meath County Council this week. Members of its organising committee, led by Chairperson Ambrose McLoughlin and including Secretary Pat Donnellan and board members Jimmy Finlay, Tony McEntee, Eddie Downey and P J Durcan were in the county council chamber as councillors debated the proposal.
The committee is anxious to see the museum idea gain traction in Meath before other horse racing counties get out of the starting gate. Councillors agreed in principle to the museum proposal, with a majority of councillors expressing backing and a number questioning whether Ashbourne should be the location. As further details emerge over the coming weeks, the committee may be invited to make their own presentation to the councillors.
The museum would be a first for Ireland and would be modelled on other successful horse museums in other countries such as Palace House at Newmarket in the UK, Australian Racing Museum and Hall of Fame at Flemington, Australia and the International Museum of the Horse, Kentucky, USA.
The museum is intended to be dedicated to the history of Irish national hunt racing and will include permanent exhibitions of the rich heritage of national hunt racing here, blockbuster exhibitions on Arkle and other famous horses and events; exhibitions on “top jockeys”, owners, trainers and staff; equine art exhibitions and equine services exhibitions; a “go to” heritage centre/museum adding value to the Boyne Valley and south East Meath economy.
The aim of the museum is to educate and entertain and will include interactive exhibits teaching visitors the amazing history of national hunt racing; a library of national hunt racing; a hall of fame, equine treasures and TV/radio archive; a hall of champions memorials and statutes.