Thumbs up for Dundalk’s new all-weather track
Former Irish champion sprinter, Osterhase, trained by John Mulhern and ridden by Fran Berry, worked on the track along with six of trainer Harry Rogers’ charges ridden by Willie Supple and Andrew Lynch.
Berry, who has considerable experience of similar all-weather tracks in the UK, was quick to give the polytrack surface the thumbs up, comparing it favourably to Kempton.
“It will take time to get to know the track. Every track has it’s own little characteristics and it will take a bit of time to get a feel for it.
“I would say it should ride a fair enough track draw-wise because there is a good two and a half furlongs straight which means you should be able to ride any sort of a race, whether that is from the front or behind. It should give every horse a chance.”
Guests at yesterday’s media day were also given a tour of the extensive new stadium facilities at Dundalk which include a 400-seat restaurant, self-service carvery, fast food outlet, several bars and stabling for 130 horses.
Jim Martin, chief executive of Dundalk stadium said: “We are fast approaching the MCR Group Race Day and are looking forward to presenting a modern approach to racing in Ireland.
“In less than a year, we have upgraded all our facilities to offer the very best in customer service and we look forward to welcoming people to the opening meeting and 11 other fixtures scheduled for 2007.”
Similar all-weather tracks have been well received by trainers in the UK while the recently installed polytrack gallop on the Curragh met with similar approval by trainers here.
The Dundalk surface is also said to minimise the risk of injury to horses.
New floodlights have also been erected at the Louth venue and are currently being tested with the inaugural floodlit meeting due to be held on Thursday, September 27.
Brian Kavanagh, Chief Executive of Horse Racing Ireland, said: “There is a great sense of anticipation about this new venture at Dundalk Stadium.
“It fills a keenly-felt need for Irish horses to have an opportunity to race on an all-weather surface and represents an exciting development of the racing experience for racegoers.
“The fact that the opening meeting is already a sell-out speaks volumes for its prospects and we were delighted to announce last week at the launch of the HRI fixture list, that Dundalk will stage 25 race-meetings in 2008.”
