CURRAGH Racecourse Limited, the new company formed to operate both the racecourse and the training grounds, has appointed Derek McGrath as its new chief executive. He takes up the role in a fortnight’s time and will be responsible for all matters relating to the headquarters of Irish racing.

The Irish Field understands that Paul Hensey will remain with the racecourse where he has been general manager since 2002. A further announcement on the new structure is expected to be made shortly.

Welcoming the appointment, the chairman of Curragh Racecourse Limited, Padraig McManus, said: “We are delighted to announce Derek’s appointment and are very pleased that he has agreed to accept the position. We have exciting plans for the redevelopment of the Curragh and Derek is the ideal figure to lead the Curragh forward into the future.”

McGrath was chief executive of European Rugby Cup Limited from 2000 to 2014 and during that time had complete responsibility for the European club rugby competitions, the Heineken Cup and the Amlin Challenge Cup. A former Irish rugby international, he is a veterinary surgeon by profession.

Curragh Racecourse Limited consists of three entities that each own a third of the shareholding. They are the Turf Club, Horse Racing Ireland a group of eight private investors. The latter is made up of the Aga Khan, Eva-Maria Bucher-Haefner, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, John Magnier, Godolphin Ireland, JP McManus and Derrinstown Stud.

Covering almost 5,000 acres, the Curragh is home to all five Irish classics and stages 10 Group 1 races over the course of 19 fixtures. Last Sunday it saw the start of the new turf season. In addition to hosting world-class racing, the training grounds have been developed into a globally-renowned centre.

Speaking of his appointment this week, McGrath said: “I am delighted to be taking up the challenge of managing such a prestigious sporting facility as the Curragh racecourse and training grounds. As the home of the classics the Curragh holds iconic status in Irish sport and I am looking forward to being part of the team to lead the Curragh through its ambitious programme and into the future.”

A €65 million development plan for the Curragh was unveiled last October to include a new grandstand, weigh room, parade ring and museum. The new facility is expected to be in operation in 2018, and racing is expected to continue at the Curragh during the redevelopment process. It is envisaged that the new development will be utilised for other events and uses during non-racing days when the facility is completed.

The first major fixture of the 2016 season will take place in May with the running of both the Irish 1000 and 2000 Guineas, together with the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup.