THE decision to postpone the opening of the new-look Curragh Racecourse was made by the board of Horse Racing Ireland overruling the wishes of the track management who still believed they could meet the April 13th deadline.

Due to open next month following a two-year building project, the Curragh will now not open its doors until May 6th, a public holiday Monday.

The redevelopment, budgeted at €60 million but estimated to cost upwards of €80 million, fell behind schedule in recent months and a decision to overhaul the parade ring a second time put extra pressure on management meeting their April deadline.

As recently as last week Curragh CEO Derek McGrath told The Irish Field the project remained on track but the decision was taken out of his hands at a HRI board meeting on Monday.

A statement issued on Friday by HRI said the three-week postponement would “de-risk the situation” and “allow all operational elements of the racecourse to be fully tested.”

The April 13th fixture has been moved to Naas, where it has been staged for the past two years. Details of that race programme are due to appear in the Irish Racing Calendar next week, another factor which forced HRI’s hand.

HRI boss Brian Kavanagh said: “While the redevelopment is progressing well, the HRI board has decided to de-risk the situation and give certainty to the industry and public by delaying the public opening of the new Curragh facility until it is completely finished and fully tested.

“Instead a trial raceday will take place during the week commencing Monday, April 15th which together with the extra time, will allow all operational elements of the racecourse to be fully tested.”

The May 6th meeting will still be low-key and the official opening will take place on Friday evening May 24th, the start of the three-day Guineas Festival.

McGrath said: “We will continue to finish the redevelopment over the next few weeks; the re-categorisation of the April 13th fixture to an internal testing day will provide more time and space to prepare for the rest of what promises to be a very exciting and historic season at the Curragh. We are of course grateful to Naas Racecourse who have been supporting us throughout the redevelopment and our grateful thanks extends to the racecourse and their directors.”

Naas manager Tom Ryan said: “As we have run that fixture for the past two2 years, accommodating it again this year won’t be a problem. The flat track has wintered well. We’re here to serve the industry and are happy to help. We work with the Curragh on a lot of initiatives and it is in our interest to see them succeed.”

Ticket sales for the Curragh will be honoured at Naas, or refunds can be sought through the Curragh.