JUST three more sleeps until day one of the 2019 Punchestown Festival, but sleep is far from the minds of the racecourse executive. On Thursday they announced exciting plans for a major track development project, something that will no doubt be the subject of much positive chat during the week ahead.

The 2018 Racecourse of the Year is set to widen the finishing straight by about 35 metres, extend a 650 metre chute at the Blackhills (turn out of the back straight) bend, and expand water storage facilities in both areas. A number of additional upgrade works will also be carried out, including extending the tarmac ambulance road, the introduction of a new sand canter to the two-mile start location, and undertaking a full review of the irrigation system.

The widening of the main straight will mean Punchestown hosting all race meetings on the outer track rather than using the ‘inside’ straight. The latter is currently availed of at mid-winter fixtures to minimise the use of the Festival ground in advance of the April meeting. The widening exercise will facilitate the extension of the ambulance road around the entire circuit and provide an opportunity to expand the capacity of the reservoir in front of the main straight.

Importantly, the plan will secure and future proof water sources, providing almost 10 times the current water storage capacity. The track also plans to invest in a long-term irrigation system.

The 650 metre extension at the Blackhills bend will facilitate a wider range of race distances and start locations on the existing layout, and open opportunities for the further enhancement of the racing schedule.

Throughout the past 20 years, the enhancement of the racing surface has been central to the strategy adopted by the board. The track has transformed, with the addition of over 100 acres, gradually introduced as an additional racing surface. This has allowed Punchestown to safeguard its fixtures, provide fresh ground at all meetings, and ensure ideal ground conditions each April.

An application for planning permission will be lodged shortly and it is proposed that construction will commence after the 2020 Festival.

Chairman David Mongey explained the vision behind the plan: “Central to all strategic plans at Punchestown has been the track, and our ability to deliver top-quality racing ground throughout the season - with particular focus on the annual Festival. Without a top-level racing surface we do not attract the best horses, and that is integral to the continued success of Punchestown. The plan will sustain growth and opportunity and that is the anchor of any successful business”.

Punchestown CEO Conor O’Neill elaborated: “Punchestown is more than just a racecourse. It is an enterprise that creates and sustains employment; the Festival generates around €60 million for the local economy, but very importantly it is also an amenity for the people of the area. The future viability of the racecourse will be safeguarded with the implementation of this development and now is the time to make it happen”.

Twelve-time champion jump jockey Ruby Walsh endorsed the planned developments saying: “Think of Punchestown and you think of Kildare. It is an iconic venue that the people of the county should be proud of. Endorsing Punchestown has always been easy for me. Granted it is my local track, and I have such fond memories of the place, but sentiment aside it is simply a top-class racecourse. It has hosted some of the most competitive, high-quality racing I have experienced.

“The list of winners at Punchestown through the years is testament to the place so any plans to enhance that have to be embraced.”