The Curragh Racecourse has been guaranteed a new drinks licence for its dining and drinks areas that will be a major feature of its €72m redevelopment of the home of flat racing in Ireland.

The loss of yet another meeting to the weather this week - Limerick on Wednesday - highlighted one of the problems National Hunt racing has in this country.

A new company has been established to own and run Curragh racecourse and training grounds, and oversee the €65m redevelopment of the track.