Curragh retains fixtures for 2009

Officials at The Curragh on Tuesday welcomed the return of seven fixtures

previously scheduled for elsewhere in 2009 as a result of the proposed

redevelopment plan which is now on hold. After the announcement that the

€100 million revamp was shelved due to the

economic downturn, Horse Racing Ireland handed back the Kildare venue's prized

Moyglare Stud S. (Ire-G1), Irish St Leger (Ire-G1), National S. (Ire-G1) and

Goffs Million.

"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," The Curragh's General Manager Paul Hensey said. "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."

The Curragh's redevelopment scheme, which was due to be financed by Horse

Racing Ireland, industry donations, bank borrowings and the Turf Club's

resources, has already seen phase one completed. Nick Wachman, Senior Steward of

the Turf Club, explained the need to stop ahead of the second phase set for July

2009.

"Happily, everyone in Irish racing understands that there is a real need to

develop the Curragh in order to create facilities that are commensurate with the

world class racing that this wonderful track produces," he said. "We are

confident that the project will recommence at an appropriate time."