HRI approve grant for Gowran The Board of Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) has approved capital development grant aid of €24,920 towards a €62,300 redevelopment of facilities for stable staff at Gowran Park racecourse. The 40% grant aid, through the HRI Racecourse Capital Development scheme, will go towards providing significant improvements to the existing facilities for stable staff. The stable canteen is being expanded and refurbished in order to bring it up to a better standard for stable staff, as had been sought by the Irish Stablestaff Association. Gowran Park intends to undertake this work immediately and would seek to have the enhanced facilities fully operational by their April 30th fixture. Welcoming the news, Bernard Caldwell, Irish Stablestaff Association Chairman, said: “We are delighted that Gowran Park are investing significantly to improve the canteen and toilets used by stable staff. The quality of food in their canteen is excellent but the conditions are cramped and their planned works are much needed and will be greatly appreciated.” Eddie Scally, General Manager of Gowran Park, commented: “Gowran Park are delighted to be in a position to undertake this upgrading project to our stable staff canteen and would like to thank HRI for their support on this project. Since June 2015 Gowran Park have provided complimentary lunches to all stable staff on race days and this is the next step in upgrading our offering to stable staff whom we recognise as a key part of the racing industry." All 26 racecourses in Ireland were eligible to apply for funding under this scheme with HRI providing 40% of the cost of approved projects. It is estimated that the entire Racecourse Capital Development Fund will support in the region of 1300 direct and indirect jobs during the course of its completion.
