Need for new six furlong track

The need for Leopardstown to develop a new straight six furlong track was emphasised yesterday by the Irish Horseracing Aurhority's chief executive Martin Moore.

The current sprint track will disappear under an agreement with Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Council that is expected to be formalised by the end of the month.

That agreement could allow the Co Dublin track to continue racing despite previous speculation the M50 extension would force a temporary closure.

"There will have to be a new six furlong track but until the final layout of the configuration of the track is known, we cannot say for certain where it will be," Moore said yesterday.

The IHA official also said discussions with a number of interested parties are ongoing to take over the sponsorship of September's Irish Champion Stakes.