Jump racing only at Wexford after change
Founded in 1951, Wexford has staged racing under both codes but has proved to be more popular over jumps and will continue to have its existing allocation of 11 fixtures in 2017.
The course switched from being a right-handed to a left-handed course in April of last year and the move has gone down as a success within the jumps racing fraternity. However, a much lower runner limit of 10 has been in place for Flat meetings and, despite remedial work, it has been decided the course will not be suitable for larger field sizes on the level.
Wexford chairman Michael Murphy said: “National Hunt racing is far more popular at Wexford.
“We’re looking forward to it. Eleven meetings a year is satisfactory for us, but we’ll probably look for more in the future.”
The two remaining Flat fixtures scheduled for Wexford this year will be transferred to Gowran Park (July 23) and Navan (August 27), Horse Racing Ireland announced.
The next jumps meeting at Wexford wlil be an evening fixture on June 15.
A statement issued by HRI read: “The Wexford racecourse management have been fully consulted in the decision-making process and are supportive of the change to become a National Hunt-only venue, believing that the improved, left-handed circuit will enable them to upgrade the quality of their jumps programme over the course of time.”
