Curragh fixtures restored

The Curragh has regained the seven fixtures transferred from the Kildare venue next season after a redevelopment of the track was put on hold.

Track management have delayed a €100m overhaul plan due to the current economic downturn and applied to Horse Racing Ireland for the return of meetings transferred to other tracks.

Naas was due to stage the Moyglare Stud Stakes (August 30), Goffs Millions (September 27) and another fixture on October 12 but they will now be back at the Curragh.

Navan also lose out as they should have hosted the Royal Whip on August 16 while Fairyhouse was the venue for the Irish Field St Leger on September 12 and a meeting on October 11.

Leopardstown were due to stage the National Stakes on September 13 but all will now revert to the Curragh.

HRI director of racing Jason Morris said: “HRI was only able to make these changes for 2009 with the voluntary agreement of all the racecourses concerned.

“We would like to put on record our gratitude for the tremendous co-operation received from Fairyhouse, Leopardstown, Naas and Navan in response to the Curragh’s understandable request for the return of their traditional meetings.”

Paul Hensey, Curragh Manager, added: “We are delighted that HRI has been able to restore the Curragh’s traditional fixture list for next year, albeit under the unfortunate circumstances that we have had to defer our major planned redevelopment work due to the current economic environment.

“We are very grateful to the other racecourses concerned for their understanding and for adopting an entirely constructive approach towards the return of these fixtures to the Curragh.”