TOP trainers Willie Mullins, Joseph O’Brien and Jessica Harrington all have their own gallops but they also use the Curragh facilities, which are open to all.

Peter Fahey, based in Monasterevin, uses the facilities at the Curragh on a regular weekly basis. He said: “We are about 10-15 minutes away and would take the horses there about three times a week for flat work.

“Pat Kelly is very obliging, we’re not tied too tightly for time. I can ring him the evening before to book a place or early the next day. We never have any problems. Prices are about €65 a horse.

“It’s very straightforward, parking up at the yards to unload the horses for the different gallops we use – the Maddenstown, the Old Vic and the schooling gallops.

“We have about 40-45 horses in. Our owners have stuck with us, it’s a pity they can’t get racing. It’s good that we have been able to keep the industry going but we have to get the owners back.

“During lockdown we gave the fit horses a few weeks off and kept the others on the go. None of the staff were let go and we had a chance to catch up on jobs like painting and maintenance.

“I couldn’t speak highly enough of the training facilities at the Curragh. We are blessed to have it so near and to work on the excellent gallops, as well as training on the home gallops. We have the best of both worlds.”