THE Kildare Hunt Club is on the verge of a major land acquisition that will add significantly to its portfolio in the county.

Following a recent extraordinary general meeting of the Kildare Hunt Club, The Irish Field has learned that a deal has been struck which will see the sale of 170 acres of land to a partnership that includes the KHC and a local developer.

Kildare Hunt Club member and Punchestown chairman David Mongey told the paper that such a deal would safeguard the racecourse’s future.

The Irish Field understands that the 170 acres, when sold, will see some 104 acres transfer into the ownership of the KHC immediately, while the remainder will be used for the period of a decade for the disposal of inert material only. The KHC will then have an option to purchase the remaining 66 acres.

Currently the licence to use the land for disposal is held by Cemex who operate a number of landfill sites, but the company is exiting this business. The developer who is partnering the KHC in this purchase is understood to be from the area and is sympathetic to the aims and aspirations of the KHC. Prior to Cemex the site was operated by Readymix. KHC and the racecourse have had a good relationship with both previous site operators.

The price agreed for the sale of the 170 acres is not being disclosed but the KHC will be contributing less than 20% of the purchase price. “This is a magnificent opportunity for the Kildare Hunt Club to acquire some historic lands that border the existing racecourse, and allow us to improve the panoramic landscape for racegoers,” Mongey said this week.

“The deal is still subject to conditions, but I am hopeful that these will not prove to be a hindrance. The KHC recently voted unanimously to go ahead with the purchase.”

The deal was negotiated by Mongey along with David Ashmore, vice chairman of the KHC. The licence for the site allows only for the disposal of inert material and this ensures that no damage will be caused to the racecourse.

ICONIC FESTIVAL

Punchestown’s iconic racing festival will remain a focus for the present management, though Mongey believes that there is much more that can be achieved. He cites the case of Goodwood in England where the facility is multi-faceted and racing forms a part of that.

“We have a wonderful location, with great access from every corner of Ireland, and yet less than an hour from the capital city. I would love to see more use being made of Punchestown and hope to see that developed further in my term as chairman.”

Dick O’Sullivan, Punchestown general manager, said: “The Kildare Hunt Club has shown great vision and foresight in the purchase of this land. Securing this site will ensure that any business carried out there will have no negative impact on the racecourse or neighbouring properties.

“In addition, the famous Punchestown vista will be safeguarded and in time will be enhanced by the acquisition. We very much welcome the news and pay credit to David Mongey, David Ashmore and the Kildare Hunt Club members who have made such a massive contribution to the future of Punchestown.”

The 170-acre site was for sale by Knight Frank but is no longer listed on their website. The lands at Punchestown currently extend to between 450 and 500 acres.