THE Irish Flat racing season for 1997 will kick off with a meeting at the Curragh on Sunday, April 6th, it was announced yesterday after the publication of the fixture list by the Turf Club.

There are many involved in the industry who may welcome the change from the traditional launch at Leopardstown on St Patrick's Day, as this date so often coincided with the major National Hunt action at the Cheltenham Festival.

The much talked-about Mallow racecourse will re-open on Easter Sunday, March 30th, for the first of its nine meetings, which includes five Saturdays, two Sundays and two Bank Holidays - an allocation that should certainly guarantee an excellent first season for the Co Cork location.

Tramore loses two fixtures, leaving the Co Waterford track with seven meetings next year. Others to lose out (by one) are: Clonmel (who now have 12), Gowran Park (13), Leopardstown (23), Navan (12) and Thurles (8).

There are 261 race-fixtures scheduled for next year compared with 259 in 1996. Racing will take place on 42 Sundays, of which six will be double fixtures - giving a total of 48 Sunday meetings, five more than 1996.

There is a significant drop in evening meetings, which now totals 59, a loss of nine fixtures compared to 1996.

It was also announced that no Saturday evening racing has been scheduled pending on-going consultation within the industry.

Aidan O'Brien expects to have a strong hand in the Group One Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday. "I could have at least four runners. I am going to leave in Family Tradition, Air Of Distinction, Melleray and Strawberry Roan," said the Ballydoyle trainer yesterday.

"In addition Peace Melody, Fastnet View and Shell Ginger may also be left in. I will speak to the owners this evening. Melleray ran a good race from her poor draw in the Tattersalls Breeders Stakes at the Curragh last Saturday and hopefully it hasn't taken too much out of her. Certainly she seems well today."