BELLEWSTOWN manager Kevin Coleman might just find a minute to catch the Irish Derby today as he and his team put the final touches to preparations for their four-day meeting on the Hill of Crockafotha Racing. The festival gets underway on Wednesday, July 3rd and later this year the course will undertake a major stable-yard development project.

Horse Racing Ireland recently approved significant grant aid towards capital development plans at Bellewstown, and this is for the building of 110 permanent stables. The HRI Racecourse Capital Development scheme will provide €221,000 towards the €554,000 cost of works. This will significantly reduce operating costs for the racecourse as the rental of temporary stabling will no longer be required. The new build will ensure an adequate number of stables and will also greatly improve the quality of equine accommodation.