Disappointed by Curragh decision

Sir, – I was disappointed to read in The Irish Field (February 18th, A4) that the Irish Derby is to be staged this year at the Curragh Racecourse with a crowd limit of 6,000 people.

With the ongoing redevelopment works at the course it appears the facility is not in a position to hold racing either from a logistical or health and safety point of view.

The Irish Derby is Ireland’s greatest and most prestigious race. Last year we are told over 18,000 people attended (25,000 in 2015, almost 24,000 in 2014) and to run the great race with a cap of 6,000 seems incredibly short-sighted on the part of the Curragh and HRI. It also shows a disregard for the racing public.

Although the Curragh has a monopoly on the classic races run in Ireland surely it would have been better to move all racing to other venues whilst redevelopment works are ongoing?

Leopardstown, for instance, would have been able to stage the Irish Derby and both days of Irish Champions Weekend. The likes of Naas could accommodate the five-furlong races in one of their racedays.

We recall Royal Ascot relocated to York in 2005 and Doncaster’s St Leger was staged there the year after – the reason, like the Curragh, that both venues were under going redevelopment at those times. As recently as last year the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe moved from Longchamp to Chantilly and will be staged at Chantilly again this year.

What is so special about the Curragh that they can’t relocate their race days for a year or two? One wonders did they consider the revenue lost with a reduced attendance?

It will be interesting to see how they plan to sell tickets. I assume it will be an all-ticket affair, like Croke Park in September. They wouldn’t want 18,000 turning up with many been told to leave.

One thing guaranteed is that the top brass will be there on Derby day and they won’t have to worry about tickets whilst a large number of racegoers will be disappointed. – Yours etc,

GRAHAM SMITH

Collon,

Co Louth

Enjoyable racing

Sir, – Having travelled from Kerry to Dublin for racing three times since Christmas, I feel I have to put pen to paper to give credit where credit is due.

I attended Paddy Power Chase day, Irish Champion Hurdle day and the Irish Gold Cup meeting at Leopardstown. The racing, facilities and atmosphere are second to none. Even the horrid weather on Gold Cup day didn’t spoil my enjoyment. Hats off to Leopardstown. Anyone who hasn’t been there should treat themselves to a visit. – Yours etc.,

PAT CRONIN

Killarney,

Co Kerry.