Curragh reclaim 2009 fixtures Horse Racing Ireland has agreed that seven fixtures will revert to the Curragh for 2009, which had previously been transferred on a temporary basis to other venues for next year. The Curragh formally sought the return of these traditional dates, which feature three Group 1 races, following the Turf Club's decision not to commence the redevelopment of the racecourse as originally planned next year. The seven fixtures which will revert to the Curragh for 2009 are listed below together with the racecourses from which the meetings are transferring back: Sunday 16th August - Navan (Royal Whip) Sunday 30th August - Naas (Moyglare Stud Stakes) Saturday 12th September ? Fairyhouse (Irish Field St Leger) Sunday 13th September - Leopardstown (National Stakes) Sunday 27th September - Naas (Goffs Millions) Sunday 11th October - Fairyhouse (Finale) Monday 12th October - Naas (from 19th October) Announcing these fixture transfers for 2009, HRI Director of Racing Jason Morris stated: "HRI was only able to make these changes for 2009 with the voluntary agreement of all the racecourses concerned. We would like to put on record our gratitude for the tremendous co-operation received from Fairyhouse, Leopardstown, Naas and Navan in response to the Curragh's understandable request for the return of their traditional meetings." Paul Hensey, Curragh Manager, commented: "We are delighted that HRI has been able to restore the Curragh's traditional fixture list for next year, albeit under the unfortunate circumstances that we have had to defer our major planned redevelopment work due to the current economic environment. We are very grateful to the other racecourses concerned for their understanding and for adopting an entirely constructive approach towards the return of these fixtures to the Curragh."
