Ireland stick with 355 meetings for 2016

The number of fixtures to be staged in Ireland next year will be 355, the same as in 2015.

Horse Racing Ireland confirmed the total comprises of 335 permanent fixtures, the 14 extra Dundalk Friday evening meetings introduced in 2011, plus six additional race meetings.

Allocated on a one-year-only basis to provide opportunities at times when there is the greatest demand from the horse population, these meetings are: Fairyhouse (April 5), Ballinrobe (April 15), Navan (May 28), Naas (September 21), Curragh (October 10) and Gowran Park (October 18).