LAYTOWN stages its unique annual fixture on the beach next Thursday and, for the first time, starting stalls will be used.

Racecourse manager Kevin Coleman said: “Laytown is unique but we understand that keeping the punter happy is a big factor and some starts didn’t look well. I think the stalls were at the request of the Turf Club starter.”

Coleman does not envisage any problems in moving the stalls on the beach. “Once the first and second races are over we only have to move the stalls once,” he said.

“We have more British journalists coming over and a 90% increase bookings from the UK as this year as it ties in with Irish Champions Weekend. We had 12 entries from England this year and one from Jersey. The marquees are going up at the weekend but from Thursday morning it will take a huge amount of effort to get the weigh room and the track down.”

The six-race card starts at 4.10pm

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