Press Release Tuesday 20th of October 09

 

Brosnan pays tribute

ambition and commitment at Naas

 

Before racing at last Sunday’s Birdcatcher meeting at Naas, many industry leaders gathered to mark the official opening of the new stable yard. Denis Brosnan Chairman of Horse Racing Ireland was present to cut the ribbon. He was joined by HRI Chief Executive Brian Kavanagh and many of the Board Members, including Noel Meade, Jim Nicholson, Michael Murphy, John McStay and Bernard Caldwell.

 

In his welcome to everybody, Dermot Cantillon Chairman of Naas Racecourse thanked Horse Racing Ireland for their help and support through their Capital Development Fund, which contributed to all the work that had been completed at Naas, he explained that the whole racecourse has now been developed over three phases during a 13 year period. The total cost was just over €6 million. The stable yard was the last piece of the puzzle, it comprises of 150 stables and ancillary buildings and is now considered to be one of the most modern facilities in Ireland or England. He thanked the Board of Naas Racecourse for their consistent effort over many years, former manager Margaret McGuinness who oversaw the first two phases of the Development Plan and also present manager Tom Ryan who supervised the final phase.  He stated that Naas Racecourse exists to facilitate the racing industry in Ireland; it operates all year round and provides opportunities for Flat and National Hunt horses equally. It is an important asset to Kildare and the town of Naas. A special word of appreciation was also expressed to the shareholders of Naas Racecourse; Cantillon said that “Naas Racecourse was formed in 1922 by a group of local land owners and business men. A lot of the shares in Naas Racecourse are still held by relations of these founding shareholders. The Naas half of the €6 million spent was derived from selling land for development; this essentially was money that belonged to the shareholders which was invested in the facilities for the good of the racing industry. Shareholders and investors can sometimes be over looked but I would like to acknowledge their contribution today”.

 

Denis Brosnan in his address complemented everybody at Naas for their commitment and ambition to achieving the top class facilities that are now available.  He stated that, “Naas Racecourse has survived through the 1980’s & 1990’s when it’s financial situation was extremely challenging. HRI has been delighted to assist in the various capital projects and hopefully Naas can continue to go from strength to strength for many years to come”. Brosnan reminded everybody present that the role of HRI was to protect and nurture the breeding and racing industry in Ireland, he said that “ HRI continue to lobby Government for their support for the industry, HRI itself has no means of acquiring funds, it administers the money given to it by the Government. We will continue to highlight the importance of the thoroughbred industry, the contribution it makes to the Irish economy and the employment it provides right around the country”.

 

A great days racing followed which consisted of an 8 race mixed card, with the Derrinstown Stud Birdcatcher Premier Nusery as the traditional highlight. All key indicators including betting turnover and attendance held steady compared to 2008 figures. The flat season has now finished at Naas and the National Hunt action begins in earnest next Saturday the 31st of October.

 

For more information contact (045) 897391 or email goracing@naasracecourse.com