Major revamp of Leopardstown Racecourse gets the green light

NEARLY 150 jobs will be created by a major €12 million investment that is set to transform the iconic Leopardstown Racecourse.

A Horse Racing Ireland grant approval of €4.7 million has enable the project to go ahead with work scheduled early in the New Year on the next phase of the overall redevelopment of the venue.

This will see the addition of a new restaurant as well as bar, betting and entertainment areas for racegoers.

A new saddling area beside the parade ring will bring race fans  closer to the horses as they are prepared for racing and there will also be a new weigh-room building providing first-class facilities for jockeys, racing administrators and the media. 

The investment in the project will be €12 million, including the Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) grant aid of €4.7 million, which will bring the overall project expenditure to €20m by the time of its completion.

Ongoing works carried out in 2015, including the new Champions Bar, a restaurant  and the Owners and Trainers Lounge, will be completed in time for the Christmas Festival (from December 26–29). 

A visually striking part of the development will be the installation of a permanent marquee-style pavilion for racegoers between the parade ring and the main entrance. Raceday previews, musical entertainment, fashion, food events and children’s entertainment will be accommodated. The marquee will also cater for after-racing music events such as the Bulmers Summer Series.

The area beneath the grandstand nearest the main entrance, will be completely redeveloped to create a space for racegoers to enjoy a range of extensive food and bar outlets, ease of access to betting options and extensive seating to accommodate large crowds in comfort. This area will allow an easy flow of racegoers between the marquee area and the racetrack.

A new weigh-room will house jockeys’ changing rooms, the Stewards Room, medical facilities and a Press Room. This building will also house a winning owners’ hospitality suite and the racecourse offices. The second Leopardstown entrance point in this area will be a new building, creating a modern reception area for racegoers, who will be at the heart of the saddling area and parade ring immediately on arrival.

Pat Keogh, the CEO of Leopardstown Racecourse, said they were delighted to have received support from the HRI Capital Development Scheme.

“Our vision is to create a facility in Leopardstown that will showcase the best that Irish racing has to offer,” he said. “The international interest in this year’s Longines Irish Champions Weekend shows the potential of the sport.

“When we complete the development being announced today, we will have a facility in Dublin that will compare very favourably with the best national and international sports venues.”