Planning problems delaying Curragh development
Speaking at the annual press briefing of the Turf Club in Dublin yesterday, Pierce Molony, senior steward, indicated that the original objections to the grandstand had been lodged almost a year ago and he hoped a decision was imminent, which would enable work to begin.
Molony said that the design team was currently evaluating the impact of the delays with a view to setting out a new timetable to enable racing to proceed uninterrupted while construction was going on.
Molony described the hold-up as “disappointing.” Said Molony: “Our principal objective now is to get the grandstand built for the Derby of 2009.
“Other developments, such as the champagne bar, weigh-room and parade ring, may be delayed until after the grandstand is built.”
Molony said there had been huge help in relation to the project from those within the industry, people like John Magnier, Dr Michael Smurfit, Dr Tony O’Reilly, J P McManus, Vincent O’Brien, Dermot Weld, Jim Bolger and others.
“Hopefully, all will be finalised in the next two or three weeks”, said Molony optimistically.
On a more positive note he reported that there had been major progress with the development work in 2007, with the opening of the new ring road and underground horse tunnel.
He acknowledged the grant-aid of €36m provided by Horse Racing Ireland and commitments of almost €10m from the aforementioned members of the industry.
Attempting to inquire into activities on the betting exchanges continues to create problems for the Turf Club.
Molony said that last year the Turf Club had announced it intended to bring in a rule to make it mandatory for licensees to produce records, such as itemised phone bills, in the event of the Turf Club having to carry out an investigation into matters concerning the exchanges.
A lot of correspondence has taken place between the Turf Club and the Trainers’ and Jockeys’ Asssociations.
The bottom line, however, is that both Associations are unhappy at what was being proposed and had suggested, in the event of an issue arising, that the Turf Club should hand over its files to the Gardaí.
This seems unacceptable to the Turf Club, though. “That would be fine where there was some form of serious conspiracy to defraud, but did not take into account how to deal with issues which relate to breaches of the rules of racing rather than the laws of the land”, said Molony.
He noted that the rules providing for access to licensee records had been in place in England for a number of years and this had enabled the Jockey Club/HRA to deal with a significant number of cases without reference to the police.
He said it was important that similar powers be available in Ireland and the stewards will deal with issues on an individual basis if necessary.
Owners can be well pleased the go-ahead has been given for advertising on silks. Commented Molony: “We are delighted to be able to provide this facility for owners and also to bring racing into line with other sports by allowing the use of logos on sporting attire worn by participants.
“At present we allow the use of logos on jockeys’ breeches. The scheme will allow owners to generate additional revenue by providing commercial entities with the opportunity to brand the owners’ silks.”
There was positive news on the breathalysing and drug testing of jockeys. Breathalysing for jockeys was introduced in June of last year.
When breathalysing takes place all jockeys riding at that particular meeting are tested. The alcohol limits in place are exactly the same as for driving in Ireland.
To date breathalysing has taken place at six meetings. There has only been one positive test from 292 jockeys.
John Moloney, senior steward of the INHS Committee, said that the introduction of a new type plastic hurdle, following a number of trials, has been approved.
Moloney said the new hurdle would be used for the first time at Limerick on November 12. He indicated the feedback from trainers and jockeys had been favourable and both organisations fully supported the race.
