Artist's impression of New Curragh© Photo Healy Racing
The Curragh racecourse has come in for criticism from many quarters over their decision to stage the next two runnings of both the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby and Irish Champions Weekend with a limited capacity of 6,000 in temporary structures.
The Derby in particular would be expected to attract a crowd of three-times the size of the temporary capacity and there is a worry that many 'ordinary racegoers' will lose out.
Padraig McManus, Chairman of Curragh Racecourse, said: "A lot of work went into that decision as to whether we should stay here in the Curragh or whether we should close down, move all the racing somewhere else."
"None of these are easy decisions and not straightforward and I'd have to admit there was a lot of views on both sides. We did a lot of analysis as to what it would mean moving somewhere else and close the track down."
"The balance of views was that since we had the track and it is not being touched we should continue to run the Classics here."
Derek McGrath, CEO of the Curragh, continued: "One of the challenges we face is the restriction applied by planning. We have to work with a capacity of 6,000 which is certainly reduced particularly for the big days - Derby day and Champions Weekend."
"But what we are going to do is use that to accommodate as many people who will come in and book early and give them a good time, a surprising time."
"What we should be offering in the next while might even be better than what we have been able to offer in recent times.
The first fixtures at the Curragh this year will take place on the weekend of Sat 13th and Sunday 14th of May.
