THERE will be 395 racemeetings in Ireland next year, up five on the number originally programmed for 2023.

The new fixture list, which was released on Thursday morning, also allows for extended 'industry breaks' in winter and summer, and maintaining six blank Sundays.

Reflecting a 2% growth in the number of horses in training, the published fixture list runs to 391 meetings. A further four fixtures are 'floating', "to be utilised during the year to deal with time periods when there is very high demand for opportunities to run from the horse population."

Six turf fixtures have been added to the 2024 fixture list, initially on a one-year basis, and will be held at Punchestown (public holiday Monday, February 5th), the Curragh (Saturday, April 6th), Bellewstown and Down Royal (both Sunday, April 14th), Wexford (Wednesday, August 7th) and Roscommon (Monday, October 14th).

The winter break for all flat industry participants has been extended by nine days, from 12 to 21, from December 22nd, 2023, to January 12th, 2024, meaning that there will be two fewer all-weather fixtures scheduled in 2024.

The summer break in the National Hunt season has also been extended from 12 to 14 days. The six blank Sundays will be on April 28th, June 23rd, July 14th, July 28th, September 8th and December 22nd.

The flat season will start slightly earlier than previously with a Curragh fixture on public holiday Monday, March 18th and will conclude, also at the Curragh, on Sunday, November 3rd.

Jason Morris, HRI’s director of racing and strategic projects, said: “HRI is very conscious of the extra demands being placed on all those working in the industry by the increasing fixture list and hence why, following consultation, the Fixtures Committee has extended the break periods under both codes.

"There will now be a three-week gap over the Christmas and new year period for the flat, and a full two-week break for the National Hunt sector in June-July. We have also retained the number of blank Sundays at six.”

Jennifer Pugh, chief medical officer for the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board, said: “I am delighted that the HRI Fixtures Committee continues to place participant well-being to the fore.

"We remain one of few sports without an ‘off’ season thereby making it impossible for jockeys, who are self-employed, to take a break without being at a loss, either financially or in terms or opportunities.

“Our sportspeople are also in the unique position of working each day alongside being a professional sportsperson, as they ride out and school daily before going to compete at a race meeting; these long hours, managing weight and dealing with frequent injuries takes a toll both mentally and physically.”

DATES OF MAJOR RACING FESTIVALS IN 2024

Dublin Racing Festival February 3 & 4

Cork Easter Festival March 30 – April 1

Fairyhouse Easter March 30 – April 1

Punchestown Festival April 30 – May 4

Killarney Spring Festival May 12 – May 14

Curragh Guineas Festival May 24 – May 26

Down Royal Ulster Derby June 21 & 22

Curragh Derby Festival June 28 - June 30

Bellewstown Summer Festival July 4 – July 6

Killarney July Festival July 15 – July 19

Curragh Oaks Festival July 20 & 21

Galway Festival July 29 – August 4

Tramore August Festival August 15 – August 18

Killarney August Festival August 22 – August 24

Irish Champions Festival September 14 & 15

Listowel Harvest Festival September 22 – September 28

Down Royal NH Festival November 1 & 2

Navan Racing Festival November 16 & 17

Punchestown Winter Festival November 23 & 24

Fairyhouse Winter Festival November 30 & December 1

Leopardstown Christmas Festival December 26 – December 29

Limerick Christmas Festival December 26 – December 29

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL 2024 FIXTURE LIST

MORE ON THIS STORY IN THE IRISH FIELD NEXT WEEKEND