The final meeting at the Cork Park Racecourse, before construction of the Cork Henry Ford Factory, began 104 years ago this weekend, on 9 April 1917.

Inclement weather and travel restrictions did not deter a huge crowd from attending the last race meeting at Cork Park Racecourse in April 1917. Situated on land later known as the Ford Industrial Estate, the first meeting at the racecourse had taken place on 18 May 1869. Amongst those present at the final meeting was T.S. Coppinger of Midleton, who had been a steward at every meeting since 1869.

The reason for the closure of the racecourse was the proposal made by Henry Ford of Detroit to establish a tractor factory in Cork. Having initially negotiated with the British Government, he came to an arrangement with Cork Corporation for the purchase of the racecourse. An Act of Parliament in 1917, the Cork Improvement Act, facilitated the transfer of the property.

Although there was some sun it was bitterly cold and snow showers fell throughout the afternoon. There were no less than twelve races, including the Douglas Hurdle, Cork Plate, Munster Steeplechase, Ward Hunt Steeplechase, Ward Union Hunt Cup, King's Cup, Maiden Plate, and the highlight of the meet, the Irish Grand National, won by Mr W.P. Hanly's "Pay Only". The prize fund amounted to 200 sovereigns.

The final meeting at the Cork Park Racecourse began on 9 April 1917.