Frustration and embarrassment for investors as Curragh saga rumbles on

For around a year and a half now signs on the M7 between Naas and Newbridge have advised motorists to 'expect delays'.

This week the M7 has acquired another regular user in the shape of Leopardstown chief executive Pat Keogh, who is set to wind down his role at the Dublin track and take control at the Curragh with immediate effect in succession to Derek McGrath.

Keogh will appreciate that Irish racing can afford no delays in getting the show back on the road at the Curragh. It will not be easy. The €81 million redevelopment project has been beset by problems and controversies. Saturday's Irish Oaks attendance figure of 4,297, a Classic day with a strong supporting card, was another reminder of the scale of the task facing the track in rebuilding its profile and winning back customers.