IN each of the last two years Wexford has seen major changes, while improvement work continues apace. Two furlongs were added to the track and the direction of racing changed from right to left in early 2015. Irrigation has also been updated and this, together with a programme of track widening, allows for fresh ground to be utilised on a regular basis.

The needs of horses and humans are well catered for too. Stabling has been greatly improved and increased in recent years, while the jockey’s and valet’s area was also extended and upgraded.

Last year was also a momentous one in the nearly 70 year history of the track, with Wexford joining Kilbeggan as one of just two racecourses offering National Hunt racing only. This was especially apt given that Wexford is a county with a rich tradition for producing many of the best chasers and hurdlers.

When the track changed the direction of racing, a much lower field size limit of 10 was placed on, and this was in spite of much remedial work carried out by the racecourse management. The racecourse manager Michael Murphy was not fazed by the decision to become a jumps only venue.

He said: “National Hunt racing is far more popular at Wexford. We welcomed the change which took place following full consultation with and the support of Horse Racing Ireland. We retained our 11 annual fixtures, which is satisfactory for us, but we’ll probably look for more in the future.

“I am convinced that the improved, left-handed circuit will enable us to upgrade the quality of our jumps programme over time. We certainly do not intend to stand still.”

A FULL HOUSE

The year’s racing programme opens on St Patrick’s Day, March 17th, and Murphy is very hopeful that weather conditions being good, he will have a full house for the first day of the new year. Being a public holiday, it will afford families a great opportunity for a day out, and racegoers will also be able to keep an eye on proceedings at Cheltenham where the Gold Cup will be run. On the day Murphy sponsors a race in honour of his father - The Micheal O’Murchadha Race - an annual event.

The community aspect to racing at a track such as Wexford is important to Murphy and his board of directors. He also taps into the buoyant tourist market in the sunny south-east and race meetings are held from March to October, with bank holidays a favourite time to race. The season ends with a two-day fixture that coincides with Halloween and, significantly, with the world renowned Opera Festival.

Racecourses such as Wexford are hugely reliant on local support by means of racegoers, and also on sponsors from the region. The most valuable race at the March 17th meeting is sponsored by Arctic Tack Stud, while the course’s Supporters Club are also involved. This group is chaired by Tim Nolan and they are a vital ingredient in the success of the racecourse.

There is always room for more members of the Club and the funds they raise go straight back into supporting racing at Wexford. Murphy is grateful for all the support racing gets, at many levels. “It is great to see how well racing at Wexford is perceived, with sponsors and racegoers constantly digging deep to support us. I believe that we are on an upward curve here at Wexford and that the quality of our offering to all who come here will improve over the years to come.”

At the heart of racing, in a county steeped in National Hunt breeding, Wexford’s Michael Murphy is looking forward to the start of what he hopes will be a most successful year for the racecourse.

DATES FOR THE DIARY

Racing in Ireland for the next seven days will take place at:

Sunday, February 26th

Naas

Thursday, March 2nd

Clonmel

Friday, March 3rd

Dundalk

Saturday, March 4th

Navan