Upgrade races to the final furlong

A NEW €5.8 million stand, featuring bars and a restaurant is set to open shortly at Cork Racecourse located in Mallow.

The early November opening of the massive two-tier stand is set to coincide with the running of the Paddy Power Cork National, one of the biggest horse racing events of the year.

Mary Kelly, who is sales manager at the venue, said the new stand will have capacity for more than 1,300 spectators.

It will also feature a tote and a Paddy Powers outlet, takeaway restaurant and two bars.

“It will certainly further improve facilities for race-goers. People expect comfort these days. They want to be able to enjoy a drink and something to eat,” said Ms Kelly.

It will complement the existing three-floor stand, which currently has a large restaurant, private suites, owners and trainers’ bars and capacity for 1,500 spectators.

Ms Kelly added that the track itself was also being upgraded and there are plans to build a children’s playground on the site. Since its revamp the racecourse has continued to attract punters from further and further afield.

Many come by train, taking advantage of a free shuttle bus which runs from Mallow railway station to the racecourse.

“Many people can thus enjoy a drink and not worry about driving. It’s becoming a more and more popular method of transport for people coming to the racecourse,” said Ms Kelly.

She said people regularly travelled from railway stations in Dublin, Kildare, Thurles and Tralee to the racecourse.

The racecourse also runs a free shuttle bus from Mallow town centre.

“We are also getting an awful lot of people coming over to races from England,” said the sales manager.

Cork Racecourse has arguably become the leading horseracing venue in the south of the country, but local management is not prepared to sit on its laurels. “We have fabulous facilities here and run 20 race days a year. But we are looking towards utilising the racecourse for other events in the future. These could include concerts,” said Ms Kelly.