Curragh facelift well backed

The Minister for Sports, John O'Donoghue, has urged other figures within racing to back the €100-million redevelopment of the Curragh after it was confirmed that the Coolmore partnership of John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith will sponsor the new ring-road construction being built at the sport's headquarters.

A donation from the three owners was also described as "very generous" by the Turf Club's senior steward, Pierse Moloney, who added the road, which is the first stage of the massive Curragh facelift, will be completed in April.

Speaking at the 26th Moyglare dinner at The K Club on Saturday night, O'Donoghue said: "The redevelopment of the Curragh is a fantastic project which will help promote Irish racing all over the world. The Government has already agreed to contribute €35.6 million to the project through Horse Racing Ireland."

However, he added: "I would like to think others in the industry will do as John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith have done and will also get behind a project that will benefit everyone in the industry."

At the same dinner Moloney also reported that a major handicapping review had been completed and a new handicap-appeals committee would be set up.

"This committee will consist of people with in-depth expertise and understanding of handicapping. It will be open to any owner to appeal should they feel they have a case in relation to a specific horse," he said.

Trainer Jim Bolger was presented with an award at the Moyglare dinner for an "exceptional performance during the racing year" in relation to the champion two-year-olds Teofilo and Finsceal Beo.