Massive losses as weather woes hit Irish racecourses

LEOPARDSTOWN and Limerick racecourses both stand to lose six-figure sums following the cancellation of racing on St Stephen’s Day due to the arctic weather conditions.

Horse Racing Ireland has transferred Leopardstown’s December 26 card to Thursday, December 30 while Limerick has been reduced from a four to a three-day festival.

Leopardstown general manager Tom Burke revealed: “These four days represent between 35% and 40% of our annual turnover. The first three days would be very similar in terms of turnover while the last day would be down on those.”