Horse Racing Ireland today took the initial steps towards the development of a floodlit all-weather track at Tipperary, the first phase of a community-based development at the existing racecourse.

Brian Kavanagh, chief executive of HRI, made a presentation to members of Tipperary County Council in which he outlined plans for the complete redevelopment of the racecourse, featuring a new all-weather track and start-up training facilities for trainers.

A turf track will be retained for National Hunt race meetings and schooling.

The development of an all-weather running surface at Tipperary would be the first phase of a development which, when completed, will see the racecourse become a multi-use venue, providing facilities for horse racing and training. In addition, the new facility will fully encourage recreational use for all on non-racedays.

Brian Kavanagh said: “This is a thoroughly exciting project for Tipperary Racecourse and Horse Racing Ireland and, together with Andrew Hogan and Jonathan Mullin, I was delighted to outline our initial plans to members of Tipperary County Council this morning. I want to thank the Cathaoirleach Michael Smith and the members for their time and support today, and their positive reaction to our plans.”

“We are at very early stage and this is just the commencement of a process that will require multiple layers of approval before any construction might start.

“In the coming days we will issuing a tender for the design team for the all-weather track phase.”

HRI's five-year Strategic Plan published in early 2020 contained an aspiration to open the new all-weather track in Tipperary by 2022 but that deadline is unlikely to be met, due to Covid-19.

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