HRI approve redevelopment grant for racecourse

Horse Racing Ireland have approved capital development grant aid of €183,000 for Down Royal to carry out developments to its facilities, improvements the track say will cost in the region of €457,000.

The grant aid was applied for through the capital development scheme and will go towards projects to commence in early 2017.

The cash injection will provide improvements for owners and trainers, a re-roofing of the main grandstand, and a re-configuration and modernisation of the weighing room and jockeys' changing area.

HRI chief executive Brian Kavanagh said: “Down Royal is one of our most progressive racecourses and these redevelopments will help to improve the course and provide safe, modern and effective racing facilities.

“Owners, trainers and jockeys in particular will see the benefits of the significant improvements planned and we are happy to provide grant aid to facilitate these worthwhile projects.”

Down Royal manager Mike Todd said: “This is an exciting new development for Down Royal, which is part of our overall strategy to continue to develop our facilities to ensure we can deliver a first-class experience to all racegoers.”

All 26 racecourses in Ireland were eligible to apply for funding under the scheme, with HRI providing 40 per cent 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 period it is in effect.