THE Turf Club is keeping a close eye on Luke Comer’s expanding training yard in Dunboyne, Co Meath.

At two inspections carried out earlier this year officials noted that 13 horses had “various problems which required veterinary input” while it was also observed that the trainer, a highly successful property developer, “spends a considerable amount of time out of the country”.

The Referrals Committee has since been informed by Comer that steps have been taken to address the concerns, including the recruitment of additional staff.

Comer has “major plans” to expand his racing interests, the Committee noted, and they stressed the importance of a plan being put in place to deal with the increased number of horses. They accepted that improvements had been made and also that Comer did not need to be on the premises every day “provided he has a supervisory structure in place”.

Noting Comer’s assurances, the Committee asked that the matter be re-listed for June. In the meantime they asked the Turf Club to carry out additional inspections to monitor the progress being made.

Without a winner in over five years, Comer and his brother Brian have acquired over 5,000 acres of studland across Dublin, Kildare and Meath. In September Luke Comer told The Irish Field they had 150 active broodmares and he purchased another 80 at the Goffs November Sale, mostly at the lower end of the market.

The Comers have sponsored the Irish St Leger since 2014. It has been run under the Palmerstown House banner for the past three years but this year has been rebranded the Comer Group International Irish St Leger and the prize money raised to €500,000.