Dundalk trial 25 minute intervals

Horse Racing Ireland has announced a trial of 25 minute intervals between races on the all-weather track at Dundalk. The trial will begin on Friday October 14 and continue for seven meetings through to the 25th November card.

The reduced 25 minute interval will apply to four races on each seven race card. The following times have been agreed for Dundalk: 6.45pm, 7.10pm, 7.35pm, 8.00pm, 8.30pm, 9.00pm & 9.25pm.

There will be a 6.15pm start if there is a divide. Previously at Dundalk evening meetings there has been a 25 minute interval before the final race at 9.25pm.

One of the key recommendations of the Strategic Marketing Review Group Report published earlier this year was to: ‘Trial the use of shorter intervals between races, beginning with Dundalk’.

The idea arose from consultation with racing’s stakeholders who felt that reduced time between races could improve the race-day experience, particularly for relative newcomers to the sport.

Dundalk is seen as an appropriate venue to test this recommendation, with the stables, weigh room, parade ring and racetrack all close together and therefore ideally located for the task of getting races with reduced intervals off on schedule.

Jason Morris, HRI’s Director of Racing said: “This initiative has the full support of the HRI Board and the Stewards of the Turf Club and we are very grateful for the co-operation received from the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and racing broadcasters SIS and At The Races in agreeing these times.

"We are now able to test this idea and will learn a great deal about the logistics, customer appeal and future options around reduced race intervals.”

Jim Martin, Manager of Dundalk said: “We are delighted to give this initiative a trial in Dundalk. The idea is that there will be more action and a quicker turn around between races which should be good for the atmosphere on course. Our Friday evening horse race meetings will continue to be followed by greyhound racing so there will be plenty of action for our customers to enjoy.”