Start of a new era for Punchestown as €5 million Flat development is approved

Flat racing at Punchestown is set to become a much more common occurrence after planning permission was granted for a €5 million development of a new Flat track which chief executive Conor O'Neill hailed as the "beginning of an exciting new era" for the venue.

Punchestown staged a Flat fixture last yearfor the first time since 2002, and the track where Derby hero High Chaparral made his debut in 2001 is set to become a dual-purpose venue once again with the project set to begin after the 2022 Punchestown festival concludes next May.

The existing home straight will be widened by 35 metres, while the construction of a track extension to provide an additional racing surface will mean races over a mile will only have one bend into the home straight. A number of reservoirs will be relocated around the racecourse to ensure sufficient water reserves and a new irrigation system will also be implemented.