Curragh To Get 100m Euro Upgrade

The Curragh Racecourse is set for a 100 million euro (#70m) facelift to turn it into a world class venue, it was confirmed today.

The Turf Club said the investment, sparked off by a generous donation from the Aga Khan, would transform the famous Co Kildare racecourse into a prestige 50,000 capacity facility over the next three years.

Pierce Molony, senior steward with the Turf Club, said the Aga Khan had first raised the idea of developing the facility to mark the worldwide reputation enjoyed by the Irish racing industry.

'He also provided a very tangible gesture of support with his purchase of the Stand House Hotel and his presentation of this to the Turf Club,' he said.

The purchasing of the hotel, at an estimated 15 million euro (#10.2m), was central to the expansion plans for the racecourse.

Mr Molony reassured racegoers that the five major Classic races would not be disrupted.

The club are also planning to develop a new 72-bedroom hotel on the site, which will retain part of the existing Stand House Hotel and incorporate it into the new development.

'This is going to be a wonderful facility at which to showcase our industry. It is a major investment in Irish sport and we are conscious that it needs to pay its way. Hence the development of a new hotel which will mean that we will be open for business 365 days a year,' Mr Molony said.

The Turf Club is also due to submit a planning application to rebuild new offices later this month after its offices were gutted by fire in December.

As part of a development, a new road is also being built behind the existing grandstand.

Work on the racecourse revamp, including a 900 capacity panoramic dining area in the new stand, is due to begin this April.

At the end of this year's flat racing season the existing grandstand will be demolished. Mr Moloney said the plan was to have the first phase of the new stand operational for the 2007 Irish Derby.

The grandstand is being constructed on five levels, with a round tower built close to the parade ring. The five levels, each over a quarter of an acre in size, will feature hospitality facilities including a 900-seat restaurant on the ground floor.

As part of phase two, Tote halls will be built along with corporate facilities.

Mr Molony said the entire development was being financed by the Aga Khan's gift, the club itself, sponsorship from the racing industry, a grant from Horse Racing Ireland and the remainder through bank borrowings.