Capital development grant aid for two significant projects at Punchestown Racecourse were approved by the Board of Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) on Thursday.
The HRI Track Works & Industry Facilities Scheme (2022-2023) will provide €1,194,000–40% of the cost of works–that will see the existing home straight at the track widened by 35 metres and, separately, an extension to the current track layout to create a new one-mile start for Flat races.
A new irrigation system at the racecourse is also to be installed and three new reservoirs with the capacity to store up to 90,000 litres of water are to be constructed. The works will be completed in two phases, with phase one, beginning in June, focusing on widening the track in the home straight with phase two being the track extension. A deadline for the delivery of the upgrading of the irrigation system has been set for Oct. 31, 2024.
Suzanne Eade, CEO of HRI, said, “Over the next two years HRI will invest significantly through the Capital Development Fund and specifically via the HRI Track Works & Industry Facilities Scheme. The proposed projects at Punchestown Racecourse will significantly aid both National Hunt racing and Flat racing at the venue. It will expand track capacity, ensure a high quality watering system with sufficient local water reserves and upgrade the ambulance roadways.”
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