The newly upgraded weigh room at Punchestown Racecourse will be officially opened by Mrs Ann Osborne before racing on Saturday next, November 17th at 11.30am. The building has been dedicated to the late Michael Osborne, chairman of Punchestown from December 2002 to September 2005.

The building work includes enlargement of the jockeys' room, provision of new kitchens, extension of the press room and provision of a new lady jockeys changing room.

Punchestown Manager, Dick O'Sullivan said - 'We are proud to dedicate this new facility to the late Michael Osborne who was a wonderful man and Chairman of Punchestown from December 2002 ? September 2005. He was always of the view that racing's professionals deserve the best possible facilities and this investment will provide just that for jockeys, racing officials and the media. Michael was a great ambassador for Kildare, a county he loved and worked tirelessly for.'

The project has been 55% grand aided by Horse Racing Ireland under the Racecourse Capital Development Programme.

Members of the press are invited to view the new Facilities from 11 am and to reception following the opening.

The first race on the day is at 12.35 and the feature will be the Grade 3 Profile Systems Novice Chase.