Our racecourses are not competing internationally

The proposed €55m investment at The Curragh falls well short of what is required. The racecourse, already, lags well behind Ascot, Cheltenham, Longchamps, Sha Tin, and Arlington, and embarassingly so.

The new Curragh should be a groundbreaking, all seater facility, one that sets the standard for every racecourse on the planet, and does justice, finally, to those who labour, with dedication, and courage, year after year, in Irish racing, and breeding.

As much as €1bn may be needed, to bring our racecourses up to a 21st century standard. A radically upgraded Tipperary, for example, could host the autumn champions weekend, being, as it is, just down the road from Ballydoyle.

Up north, either Down Royal, or Downpatrick, must be turned into the state of the art racecourse Belfast deserves. Half hearted mediocrity doesn’t win the Gold Cup, the Prix de l’Arc, or on the weekend that’s in it, the Breeder’s Cup.

David Freeley

Beechville

Clonard

Wexford

Co. Wexford.