Hensey rues unfortunate clash

CURRAGH racecourse manager Paul Hensey admits he is “disappointed” the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby will clash with the Leinster football semi-final between Kildare and Dublin, but is confident that a combination of the racing, social pursuits and the chance of winning a 5-star holiday to Dubai will pack them in at Flat headquarters.

Hensey was speaking at last night’s launch at the K Club Hotel of the Dubai Duty Free Derby Irish Derby Festival, which begins on Friday, June 24 and concludes two days later with Derby day.

The Curragh has been contending with fixture clashes of this nature for many years and Hensey reveals that he had discussions with GAA chiefs last year about trying to avoid some of them for the track’s marquee events.