TICKETS for the Irish Derby are sold out and the Curragh will not be applying to Kildare County Council for any increase in capacity on Saturday, July 1st.

Only 6,000 people are allowed on the site on racedays during the €70 million redevelopment. On Derby day this figure will include 1,000 industry employees while sponsors, guests and AIR cardholders will also significantly reduce the amount of tickets available to the public.

Tickets sold out on Tuesday and Curragh chief executive Derek McGrath says they will not be asking for any exemption from the planning permission conditions in order to accommodate more racegoers in the infield area.

“It’s not something we’re looking at,” McGrath reported. “We are more concerned with ensuring that the 6,000 people here on Derby day have a good time. If we increase the numbers now we could be creating more problems. There will be disappointments but it’s the right thing to do.”

McGrath is appealing to racegoers not to arrive at the track on Derby day without a ticket or valid AIR card. “Only owners with runners on the day can use their AIR card. Trainers can use their cards regardless of whether they have a runner or not.”

He said that some stable staff are eligible for free entry and others are not. Those unsure of the situation should contact their association.

There was good news yesterday for restricted trainers who, up to now, have only enjoyed free admission when they had a runner.

Following discussions between the Association of Irish Racecourses and the Restricted Trainers Association, the ‘permit holders’ will now have free entry to all meetings. AIR chief executive Paddy Walsh said: “Our directors approved the request that free access to all Irish racemeetings be granted to all individuals holding an AIR access card in their capacity as a restricted trainer. Previously, such free access was only granted when the restricted trainer had a runner at the meeting.”

John Fitzgerald of the RTA said: “This is a major step forward.”

Racing on Derby day starts at 2pm, having been an hour later in recent years. The Derby is off at 5.20pm and the last race is at 6pm, rather than 7pm last year. McGrath explained: “We feel we don’t have the facilities to go later this year and an earlier finish will make it easier for those who are travelling long distances. We could revert to the later slot when the development is complete.”