Significant date changes in fixture list for 2004
The total number of fixtures (304) will be the same as this year, with each racecourse retaining the same number of dates.
There has been an improvement in the core winter programme with five additional National Hunt meetings scheduled to take place in January and February, on the run-up to the Cheltenham Festival.
There are some significant date changes. The Darley Irish Oaks at the Curragh will be run on Sunday, July 18, a week later than usual, thus creating a three week break between the Derby and the Oaks.
The Listowel Festival the first day will clash with the Curragh will run from Monday, September 20 to Saturday, September 25.
This will also be a week later than usual, but still avoiding a clash with the national ploughing championships.
Clonmel switches its principal meeting (formerly the Morris Oil 'Chase) from Sunday November 21 to Thursday, November 18, with a supporting programme suitably enhanced.
HRI has agreed that eight Saturday evening meetings should be programmed for five different dates.
The four meetings run this year will be repeated, while the status of the four extra Saturday evenings will be reviewed, following a report to be undertaken by a sub-committee, chaired by Michael Osborne.
This committee will seek input on the question of Saturday evening racing from interested parties and will report to the HRI board meeting in December.
