Leopardstown Racecourse’s €3 million investment is a winner alright

A REVAMPED Leopardstown Racecourse opened its doors to punters in time for the King George V Cup last month.

The legendry track, which celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, underwent a major redevelopment of its facilities.

The first phase of the project, contracted to Galway firm JJ Rhatigan and Company, cost e3 million and led to the creation of up to 50 jobs.

The work that got underway in January 2013 and was completed in time for the British Irish Raceday featuring the King George V Cup.

The King George V Cup, hosted in association with the British Irish Chamber of Commerce, took place on Friday, June 7 for the first time in 102 years.

With an aim to offer racegoers an even better racing experience, the first phase of the rejuvenation focused on the grandstand area and a new third floor panoramic suite, with capacity to seat 150 people.

The existing grandstand was built in 1970 and, while there have been a number of improvements to the structure over the years, this was by far the biggest addition in four decades.

With work complete, the first phase of the redevelopment of Leopardstown has brought it up to international standards.

Each year, Leopardstown hosts top quality racing that attracts the best international horses and this redevelopment will ensure that Leopardstown has the facilities to match.

The CEO of Leopardstown Racecourse, Pat Keogh, said:

“Over the past 125 years, Leopardstown has been the backdrop to some of Ireland’s greatest racing, family and community events.

“It is fitting that the first stage of redevelopment in Leopardstown, and the new grandstand area and panoramic suite were opened in time for the King George V Cup, a historic event that saw this feature race return to Leopardstown for the first time since 1911.

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He added:

“The new development and our investment in upgrading and creating new facilities at Leopardstown Racecourse shows our continued commitment to offering race goers, families and the local community the ultimate experience.

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Leopardstown Racecourse has been at the heart of Irish racing since July 1888.

Now in its 125th year, Leopardstown is Dublin’s only racetrack and is home to iconic premium flat and national hunt racing, such as the Red Mills Irish Champion Stakes, the Hennessy Gold Cup, BHP Irish Champion Hurdle and the famous Leopardstown Christmas Festival.