The new Curragh Racecourse was officially opened yesterday during a spectacular opening ceremony by An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar and His Highness the Aga Khan.
The centrepiece of the redeveloped racecourse is The Aga Khan Stand which can cater for up to 6,000 people over four levels. Thousands of people attended the Grand Opening Weekend which marked the historic opening of the new Curragh Racecourse.
The two year, multi million euro redevelopment includes the spectacular new The Aga Khan Stand, refurbished stable yards and parade ring and bespoke facilities including conference capabilities and restaurants. In addition, the gallops which are located across the Curragh plains have also been upgraded.
The Aga Khan Stand’s 7,000 square metre roof can be seen from across the Curragh and provides valuable shelter for racegoers during inclement weather. There is also in-door and sheltered vantage points looking straight onto the track. The historic Queen’s Room, which was relocated as a standalone feature and reassembled block by block from the old stand, is a stunning feature that overlooks the large parade ring.
The Curragh Racecourse will host 14 more race meetings this year with the Dubai Duty Free Derby Festival taking place from 27th – 29th June.
Commenting on the opening, An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar said, "The Curragh has gained much more than a new stand. This is a complete redevelopment which will match the best in the world. The Government, through Horse Racing Ireland, invested over €36 million in this project, about 40% of the total cost, because we recognised the significance of the Curragh to Irish society."
Chairman of the Curragh Racecourse, Padraig McManus added, "Today is a significant milestone not just for the Curragh Racecourse but for the entire racing industry and the county of Kildare. We have upgraded and renovated our racing and training facilities to create a new Centre of Excellence. We are delighted that we now have the facilities for our racegoers that match our world-class race track."
Source: www.businessworld.ie
