HRI cash boost for Listowel racecourse project
Fairyhouse has also been approved for a €280,000 investment under the HRI’s capital development grants. Work on the facilities at both courses will generate up to 50 construction jobs.
The main focus of Listowel’s project is a new dining and hospitality facility adjacent to the parade ring. With a projected spend of over €1.2m, the new dining facility will also incorporate an upstairs bar and food area overlooking the parade ring at Listowel.
It is intended that the new development will be unveiled at the 2016 Harvest Festival in September. Additional works at the Kerry track include a new toilet block in the lower enclosure, stable yard works and upgrades to all three pedestrian access points.
Fairyhouse have planned a wide range of enhancements in 2015 including stable yard works, kitchen upgrades and a new photo finish box.
Refurbishments of the Jameson and Powers’ stands are planned for 2016. Further redevelopments include upgrades to the entrance building and main avenue, along with a new first aid room.
Said HRI chief Brian Kavanagh: “The redevelopments planned at Fairyhouse and Listowel are focused on improving the facilities for racegoers and for the jockeys, trainers, owners and others who use the racecourses on a regular basis. Both racecourses have made significant progress in recent years and Horse Racing Ireland is happy to support the next phase of their capital development.”
All 26 Irish racecourses are eligible to apply for funding under this scheme with HRI providing 40% of the cost of approved projects. It is estimated that the entire Racecourse Capital Development Fund will support in the region of 1,300 direct and indirect jobs during the course of its completion.
Meanwhile Tote Ireland is to continue its sponsorship of the Galway Plate for a further three years until 2017. The total value of thetote.com Galway Plate, taking place on July 29, will increase from €200,000 to €220,000.
It is one of the most competitive handicap chases in the calendar and the last two winners, Carlingford Lough and Road To Riches, have both gone on to win at the highest level.
All races on the Galway Plate card will be sponsored by Tote with an expected total prize fund of €324,000.
Tim Higgins, chief executive officer of Tote Ireland, said: “The quality of the race really stands up, especially when you look at the most recent winners - Road To Riches and Carlingford Lough.”
Galway general manager John Moloney said: “Thetote.com Galway Plate is one of the highlights of our week-long summer racing festival and we look forward to working with Tote in continuing our long-time association.”
