Ireland
Sand Origin
The Burrow Beach, Sutton
Random Sand Fact
In Ireland, a beach becomes a racecourse when the tide goes out.
Sand is not just a surface. The shape of the grains and how tightly they pack affect how firm or loose a track becomes. More angular grains lock together more easily; rounder grains create a looser surface.
Horses have raced on the sand at Laytown Beach since 1868. Before race day, the beach is inspected to find the stretch of sand that offers the best racing surface.
Then the race begins.
