FOLLOWING the end of the 2017 racing season, the Curragh this week issued an update on the development work, welcomed the fixtures list for 2018 in what will be the final truncated season of racing at headquarters, and looked back at the Longines Irish Champions Weekend.

The racecourse has appointed John Sisk & Son Ltd as the main contractor to construct the new facilities that are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2018, in time to launch for the 2019 racing season.

Designed by Grimshaw Architects, in association with Newenham Mulligan & Associates and design and engineering partner Aecom, the new Curragh will see the creation of world-class multi-purpose facilities on a par with the best anywhere in the world. The new venue will respect both the great heritage of the Curragh and the importance of celebrating the unique landscape of the Curragh plains, whilst retaining the intimate and distinctive character of the existing racecourse grounds.

The redevelopment aims to upgrade the facilities and amenities of the site with an innovative design that will create a sense of arrival, atmosphere and excitement.

The centrepiece of the redevelopment will see the creation of a major new grandstand which will incorporate five-star corporate facilities, restaurants, bars and superb viewing facilities for the public. A new arrivals and reception area will incorporate a brand new visitor attraction, a museum to celebrate the history of racing in Ireland and the contribution Ireland has made to the sport worldwide. A new parade ring will ensure that more patrons can share in the excitement and build up to the racing, while a new weigh room will provide even better facilities for the jockeys.

Demolition by Murphy International of the old Curragh grandstand and weigh room commenced last January and was completed in June, while they are also currently working on the reconstruction of the historic Viewing Stand as a stand-alone feature. This was built in the 1850s to commemorate the visit of Queen Victoria.

Work on the refurbishment of the stable area also commenced earlier this year with Galway-based Purcell Construction winning the contract to ensure that the equine stars of the sport will also have first-class facilities. They are due to be completed in time for the 2018 racing season.

Next season will see the Curragh stage 18 fixtures, again using temporary facilities. Running from May 11th to the second-leg of the Longines Irish Champions weekend on September 16th, other key festival dates include the Tattersalls Irish Guineas weekend on May 26th and 27th, the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby weekend from June 29th to July 1st, and the Darley Irish Oaks weekend on July 21st and 22nd.

A rain-soaked day failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the many who went racing on Champions weekend. A little bit of history was recorded when Order Of St George became the first horse to regain the Group 1 Comer Group International Irish St Leger, running riot in the final classic of the season. The Aidan O’Brien-trained five-year-old was a nine-length winner of the feature race, providing the trainer with his second Group 1 on the card following the earlier success of Happily in the Moyglare Stud Stakes.

As well as top-class racing the style stakes were high with the Longines Prize for Elegance for the most elegant lady and gentleman. Off track entertainment included the Family Fun Enclosure which was a fantastic hit with both young and old, on-stage entertainment, the Parade of Champions, and the Thoroughbred Trail before racing which allowed visitors to see behind the scenes of the racing industry.