All five Classics set for Leopardstown switch
The plan had originally been to continue racing at the Curragh with temporary facilities. But following a meeting of the members of the Turf Club this week, the Kildare track will now shut on 26 July 2009 and reopen in March 2011.
Problems with planning permission caused many of the delays in starting the €100m project while many of the major contracts are now to be re-tendered.
Turf Club chief executive Denis Egan explained: “While (continuing racing at the Curragh) was once the preferred option we now believe that, having consulted with our health and safety advisers, it would not be wise to race during the construction.
“We also feel that racing during construction could compromise the racegoers’ racing experience. Overall we will lose one complete season of racing along with a small number of 2009 meetings.
“While we could begin the project earlier in 2009 the net effect could have been to lose two Dubai Duty Free Irish Derbys.
“We did not want that to happen hence the decision to postpone the start date of what is in effect phase two of the project until July 26.”
The remaining fixtures affected will be reallocated to other courses by Horse Racing Ireland.
