WHILE the grass may grow lusciously on the racecourse in Ballinrobe, its manager John Flannelly could never be accused of letting it grow under his feet.

Voted Racecourse of the Year in 2012, at the annual Horse Racing Ireland awards ceremony, Ballinrobe’s manager and committee have continued to make improvements and they are not finished yet. Planning permission is presently being sought for a new entrance to the racecourse, “one that reflects the quality of the work we have already done inside,” as John told me this week.

The affable John was bowled over by the positive reaction to the recent refurbishment carried out on the 108-box stable yard, the fruits of this work being enjoyed by trainers and staff with runners at their most recent meetings. “I have never had such a reaction to anything we have done since I took over at Ballinrobe,” he admitted. He also gets regular praise for the condition of the track, which is managed by Cathal Flannelly.

John’s eye for detail is evident in everything they do at the Co Mayo racecourse. The needs of everyone who comes through the gates are looked at and hopefully met. For stable staff this has meant ensuring that there is a €50 best turned out prize for every one of the more than 70 races scheduled for the 2016 season. John is also working on some other incentives for stable staff.

In recent years, many improvements have been made to the facilities for racegoers and this has resulted in a positive response through the turnstiles. Unfortunately, last year the track lost a day of racing, something that hits the coffers hard. However, they have benefited this year from the allocation of an extra day, and hopes are that they can retain it going forward.

At the launch of their programme of racing earlier this year, John was able to announce that some €950,000 would be available in prizemoney for the 10 days of racing in 2016, two of which will be staged next Monday and Tuesday. These evening fixtures will hope to attract holidaymakers to the west as well as the locals and regular racegoers. John gets huge support for his efforts from a vibrant committee and this is chaired by John Staunton. Last year the latter celebrated 25 years in the hot seat, following a family tradition as his late father was one of the driving forces behind the emergence of Ballinrobe as a popular course. John Staunton’s son Peter is now on the committee also.

An initiative by the racecourse this year was to sign a three-year sponsorship deal with the local GAA club, and John Flannelly reports that this is getting positive traction. “It shows our commitment to the local community, while also helping to attract more sports fans to come racing and experience our product. It has been well received.”

As with many racecourses in Ireland, survival and progress depends on making the best use of the facilities to hand. The improvements made at Ballinrobe have helped to maintain existing links, while also encouraging other events to look at the potential of the site.

Three key events in the area that are held at the racecourse include the Connacht Spring Show, the Ballinrobe Agricultural Show and the Ballinrobe Feis.

It is not by chance that Ballinrobe can proudly display its Racecourse of the Year plaque and it was earned in the face of stiff competition. Perhaps it is time for you to experience what one of Mayo’s jewels has to offer, if you are not already a regular.