HRI chief Kavanagh defends call to stage Classic at the Curragh

Horse Racing Ireland chief executive Brian Kavanagh has defended the decision to stage this season's Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh after fresh criticism over the temporary facilities at the track.

Due to renovation work, only 6,000 racegoers can be accomodated, with Saturday's fixture an all-ticket affair. On Monday, Curragh chief executive Derek McGrath urged those without a ticket not to try to attend as there would be no room.

Churchill's Irish 2,000 Guineas triumph was overshadowed by the perceived poor facilities at the course in May, with the Racing Post's David Jennings stating that the meeting was: "Not a good advertisement for Irish racing."

However, Kavanagh thinks keeping the status quo rather than moving the big meetings to Leopardstown is the right call. He said in the Irish Independent: "The decision was taken that the Curragh would continue to host the race for the two years during its redevelopment and we have no regrets on that basis. The Classics were always run at that track, generation after generation testing the best of the breed."

It was suggested the Curragh infield could be opened to allow more racegoers to witness the Derby, but Kavanagh added: "With the infield, restrictions from a planning point of view in terms of erecting buildings, even temporarily, render this a non-runner and the Curragh flagged up well in advance this was going to happen."

A wet weekend for the Guineas did not enhance the viewing experience, and rain is forecast at the track this week, including on Saturday.

On Wednesday the ground was described as good on the straight course, while it is good, good to firm on the round course.