HRI step in after beleaguered Curragh revamp hits another stumbling block

The latest in a catalogue of controversies surrounding the Curragh redevelopment has seen Horse Racing Ireland make a unilateral decision to deny the track its first scheduled fixture of 2019 on April 13 and relocate it to Naas.

After coming in for sustained criticism since the project began in 2017 for continuing to race during the revamp with temporary facilities and a reduced capacity, last year stakeholders were scathing about the new parade ring not being big enough to cater for field sizes of 22 or more.

The executive came under pressure to address the matter and in November the Racing Post revealed the completion date had been pushed back. It was originally scheduled to finish in December but the projected target for the completion of the main grandstand infrastructure was then extended to the end of February.

Now that date has been pushed back to March 19, prompting the transfer of the April 13 meeting.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board's licensing team is not due to inspect the venue until next week, and Derek McGrath, chief executive at the Curragh, confirmed it was an HRI action.

The Curragh has been resembling a building site of lateCredit: Patrick McCann

Speaking to the Racing Post, McGrath said: "This was an HRI board decision. In order to give certainty to everybody involved, they decided to de-risk any concern as to whether everything would be okay and to give stakeholders a chance to assess everything.

"We respect the HRI board decision but weren't involved in it. It's within their right to make that decision from a racing perspective."

HRI's chief executive Brian Kavanagh, who also sits on the Curragh board, insisted the switch was sensible given the timeframe.

He said: "This is a major development. We're delighted with the way it's coming along, but to finish it so close to a race meeting and go straight into a public fixture, we felt the more prudent approach was to move the races to Naas and instead have a trials day to test all the systems and operations."

The unofficial trial is expected to take place on Monday, April 15. McGrath accepted that another delay was the main cause of HRI's interjection, but said the board was satisfied with the project's progress.

The initial cost for the redevelopment was pitched at €65 million, which has since risen officially to €72m. The Racing Post understands the final cost will rise to at least €80m, but McGrath wouldn't be drawn on the matter.

"Of course we take responsibility for presenting the project in its final state to the best of our ability in the time we set out," he said.

"Our job is to manage and coordinate a lot of moving pieces, but over the two years – or 18 months in terms of the build – to come this close is actually a very positive thing in my view.

"In terms of our board, we're very comfortable we're on schedule with the dates set out, but, as we get close to racing, I appreciate why HRI have taken this decision."

Derek McGrath: insisted the decision to delay the Curragh's unveiling was HRI'sCredit: Patrick McCann

McGrath added that the parade ring – being increased from 150m to 180m around the circumference of the horse walk to cater for 30-runner fields – was expected to be completed in early April.

"It's a separate work and that’s why that date is later," he said.

McGrath said Naas had agreed to honour any tickets bought for April 13 but would consider requests for a refund.

"Our immediate concern is for people who bought tickets, and for that we apologise," he said. "This is a decision we regret from their perspective."

The Curragh has also been criticised for raising the price of its season ticket by 51 per cent to €265 from €175. McGrath defended that by insisting it represented value.

"When you divide it down by the number of fixtures, it's really good value, particularly when we're also offering a free racecard to everyone," he said. "That wasn't offered before. If you take off 19 by €3, the cost of a racecard, that’s nearly €60."

When it was pointed out that number is already down to 18, he responded: "Yes, but they can still attend Naas and we'll see them for the rest of the year.

"For people coming in, in terms of viewing, comfort and seating, the way it's presented, is unprecedented. Until people see it, it's going to be hard to appreciate that."

The Curragh's next meeting is planned for the bank holiday Monday, May 6, with the official opening due to take place on the Friday night of Irish Guineas weekend, May 24.

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