Naas 'best' for all-weather track

RACING: NAAS racecourse received Dermot Weld's backing yesterday as the most suitable site for Ireland's proposed new all-weather track.

RACINGFour other courses are in contention. They are Fairyhouse, Tipperary, Limerick and Dundalk.

The Horse Racing Ireland chief executive Brian Kavanagh is currently compiling a report on the suitability of each proposal but there is no deadline on a final decision.

However, Weld said: "It makes sense to site it near a centre of population. Fairyhouse is a good idea too, but I just think they might have to make it a right handed track.

"That would make it probably the only right handed all-weather course in the world.

"When I was on the HRI board, Leopardstown always looked the place to go, especially with the new motorway access. What has changed?

"But I think Naas is the place and if we are to build it, we should do so to the highest international standards so that if there is a European Breeders' Cup, Ireland will be able to hold it."