Euro payout for punters

The Euro should get its first outing on Irish racecourses tomorrow with Fairyhouse and Tramore issuing positive bulletins on beating the weather.

"At the moment we don't anticipate having an inspection and we are very hopeful. The forecast is poor for a couple of nights but then it is supposed to get milder," said the Fairyhouse manager, Dick Shiel, yesterday.

Tramore will decide this morning about a New Year's Day inspection but reported they are "quite confident".

The forecast ground at both tracks is "yielding", and there will also have to be some "give" in the air as punters get used to the new currency.

On the first day of 2002 punters will be paid out by ring bookmakers in the stake they bet in. But the policy after tomorrow will be to try to pay out in Euros. Tote clients will be able to exchange punts at special outlets at both racecourses.

The first winner of 2002, could be Peace Leader at Tramore, but the majority of those in attendance at Fairyhouse will be hoping the first one in there is Ivan De Vonnas. Arthur Moore's horse was denied an outing at Punchestown yesterday but put in an eyecatching effort when fifth to Ballyhampshire Boy over the course and distance last time out.