Boost for economy as new all-weather track at Tipperary Racecourse progresses
Two Tipperary racecourses are undergoing major development in a huge boost for the racehorse industry
Two of the county’s racecourses are undergoing major development in a huge boost for the racehorse industry in Tipperary.
The new all-weather facility in Tipperary Racecourse outside Tipperary town is on track to be completed in the Autumn of 2027, while a number of developments, including a new weighroom and new watering system , are taking place at Powerstown Park in Clonmel.
“Huge progress is being made on site, the scale of it is just incredible. A huge earthworks project started in January, and we are on target to open the new all-weather facility in the Autumn of 2027,” said Andrew Hogan, Tipperary Racecourse Manager.
“This will be a world-class facility, one of the best all-weather tracks in the world. There will be a 6 furlong straight and a track circumference of just short of 1.4miles.Only two all-weather tracks in the world are bigger - Belmont in America and one in Newcastle. We will be one of the best in the world,” said Andrew Hogan.
The all-weather development is expected to facilitate a full winter race programme at the venue during the 2027/28 season.
“There will be two separate tracks - the all-weather for the flat racing and the original turf track will have six national hunt racing meetings a year,” he said.
The earthworks project will be followed by the provision of a sub-base, and then the base of the new facility, and then the lighting and associated infrastructure will be installed.
Demolition of some of the existing buildings has taken place. Some of the old stables have been demolished, the parade ring has been removed, as well as the old machinery shed.
The main construction contract has been awarded to Atlantic Golf Construction (AGC Ventures Limited), based in Ballybunion, Co Kerry. Martin Collins Enterprises Ltd will develop the polytrack racing surface, while McSherry Electrical Limited, based in Mallow, Co Cork, will supply and install floodlighting at the venue. Phase one of the project involves the provision of the new all-weather track, lighting, and a stable yard.
As phase one is progressing, there have also been developments on phase two, which is the development of a new stand that will include catering, hospitality, and conference facilities.
“We have just appointed a design team for the phase two development, so progress is taking place on that aspect of the development of the racecourse as well,” said Andrew Hogan.
“The new stand will be a multi-purpose facility that will be used on more than just race days; it will be a 365-day facility,” said Andrew Hogan.
The all-weather track is due to open in the Autumn of 2027, and the new stand will open at a later date.
Andrew Hogan said that the development, since it started in January, has also benefitted the wider economy in Tipperary town and throughout West Tipperary.
“The main contractor, Atlantic Golf, has taken on local people. Local businesses in the town and beyond are supplying them with material, and all of that is having a very positive economic effect in the town and in the wider area,” said Andrew Hogan.
The manager also paid tribute to the staff for their understanding during the works and said they were all, as a team, very excited and enthusiastic about the future of Tipperary Racecourse.
DJ Histon, the racecourse manager at Powerstown Park,said the two water reservoirs, a new well and associated works,would be an important development for the Clonmel course.
Planning permission has just been granted by Tipperary County Council for two water reservoirs and a new well.
DJ Histon said all race courses were trying to implement modern watering and irrigation systems.
"It is very efficient to have your own water on a site. It is all about producing the optimal ground for the welfare of the horse by using an efficient watering system that will have a positive impact on the environment,” said DJ Histon.
A new modern weigh room at Powerstown Park is almost finished. It will be used first at a national hunt meeting in September and will be officially opened at a meeting in October.
" It has been very well received and it is a great addition to the course." It is expected that work on the new weigh room will be finished by the end of July,” said DJ Histon.