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22 Dec 10
13:51
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05 Jan 10
All 3 meetings off.... Dundalk Raceable i'm sure 
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Once more we have had the usual upbeat bulletins from both Limerick and Leopardstown over the past week only to find disappointing postponements in reality. The statements of the last couple of days especially from Limerick were made obviously mindful of the fact that it was important to reassure prospective customers that the meetings were more likely than not to go ahead. Was it any colder at Limerick last night than previously? It seems any statements by racecourse officials can now be taken with a hefty pinch of salt. The chase course fiasco at Cork last weekend was another prime example of the type of hoodwinking that is now commonplace. It is hard to blame these people in some respects - they are only doing their best to maximize their attendances (and the situation in the UK isn't much better) but at the same time it is getting a bit tiresome to listen to these guys issuing reassuring statements only to find postponement or abandonment a near certainty.
Agree with your sentiments Artifice. The one positive is that they have abandoned in good time and we're not left wondering 24/48hrs in advance whether the meetings go ahead or not.
To be fair to them, all week the weather was to start thawing on Christmas eve. It was only last night that the new "not till the 27th will the thaw set in" bulletin was issued, so i suppose they had every right to wait a futher day but you're right Artifice it doesn't take Einstine to work out if these meetings are on or not. I can't see there been any racing in our Island till 2011.
That is a fair point observeirl although there was no messing about with Down Royal - albeit their situation was more serious. Imo it confirms my thinking on the matter - that Limerick who only yesterday were very optimistic about racing taking place as scheduled, today postpone the opening session 4 days early. What is that all about? At a guess I would state that the Limerick officials are issuing rose-tinted statements then the clerk of the course makes a visit and seeing the true hopeless situation makes the proper call.
I'm all for giving racing every opportunity to go ahead as planned(although the craic of late in the UK of four or more inspections on the morning of raceday is a bit OTT and does nothing for the sport) but I find it hard to believe that the situation at Limerick could change so drastically overnight. As for Leopardstown does anybody there actually read the forecasts in an impartial way?
A real thaw underway this morning and yet low and behold Limerick still abandon tomorrow. Just goes to show how far removed from reality those earlier statements last week actually were.
I know nothing of Limerick as I live in Dublin but my understanding is that the ground there is destroyed from frost. Snow was nenver the issue there.
As for leopardstown as I put in the other thread the ground is covered in Snow (and therefroe protected from frost)
The thaw has been ongoing for two days now in Leop and there is every chance it will be ready for Tuesday and a certainty to be ready for Wednesday.
I have told you guys that all along.
Leopardstown could not have handled this situation any better and that is coming from their biggest ciritic who refuses to buy membeship there over the way the staff conduct themselves. This time they have done everything right.
As for Dundalk even I could not stomach that place over Christmas. I'd rather watch PAU then endure that
As for leopardstown as I put in the other thread the ground is covered in Snow (and therefroe protected from frost)
The thaw has been ongoing for two days now in Leop and there is every chance it will be ready for Tuesday and a certainty to be ready for Wednesday.
I have told you guys that all along.
Leopardstown could not have handled this situation any better and that is coming from their biggest ciritic who refuses to buy membeship there over the way the staff conduct themselves. This time they have done everything right.
As for Dundalk even I could not stomach that place over Christmas. I'd rather watch PAU then endure that
Its thawing above ground but there will be still frost in the ground for a couple of days.
AG there is no frost in the ground in Dublin. Look I have enough of it now
Final summation:
Good chance of racing on Tuesday,
Certain to be racing Wed and Thu.
Make your plans based on that
Clerk of course in Lemrick was already on ATR to say 3 days racing to go ahead starting Tuesday.
Final summation:
Good chance of racing on Tuesday,
Certain to be racing Wed and Thu.
Make your plans based on that
Clerk of course in Lemrick was already on ATR to say 3 days racing to go ahead starting Tuesday.
Heavy snow and frost forecasted for thurs and friday now...sooooooooo
No hope of getting three days racing on that ground at Leop. The ground will cut up to much. 29th and 30th best option for Leop.
By MARIE CROWE
Sunday December 26 2010
Christmas cheer is in short supply in Irish racing this weekend as the sport counts the cost of a catastrophic winter season.
Since the end of November, only five race meetings out of a scheduled 19 have gone ahead in Ireland because of the big freeze and the bumper Christmas programme -- including all three scheduled meetings today in Leopardstown, Limerick and Down Royal, as well as tomorrow's big meeting at Leopardstown -- has been decimated and is costing the industry tens of millions.
Horse racing had already been severely hit by the recession and cutbacks in its funding and the last four weeks has made matters worse.
"Jockeys, trainers, betting turnover, caterers and all the casual staff associated with a race day are all feeling the effect," said Barbara White, marketing services manager at Horse Racing Ireland.
"Added together the losses would certainly run into millions. Typically in the month of December, racing attracts over 100,000 racegoers across 25 fixtures. This includes the Leopardstown and Limerick Christmas Festivals."
As things stand, Leopardstown remain hopeful that they will race on three days this week and will inspect again tomorrow morning to see if Tuesday's meeting can go ahead. If that proves an impossible target, contingency plans are in place to increase the number of races on Wednesday and Thursday, with the possibility that a new record of six Grade 1 races on the same card will be set.
While snow is the problem at Leopardstown, frost is the villain of the piece in Limerick where an inspection was planned this morning for tomorrow's re-arranged fixture.
And the festive programme in Britain has been wiped out also. Only Wolverhampton and Fontwell survived of today's scheduled eight meetings, although Fontwell inspected yesterday morning and will inspect again at 8am this morning.
Meanwhile, Kempton clerk of the course Brian Clifford remains "optimistic" that tomorrow's top-class fixture will go ahead as scheduled. The card took on even greater significance after the King George VI Chase and the Christmas Hurdle were added having been lost to frost today.
Temperatures at the Sunbury venue remained below freezing yesterday but Clifford is keeping his fingers crossed temperatures rise as predicted.
"It's minus 2 Celsius this morning and the wind chill last night wasn't too bad - it was only minus 2.8C," said Clifford yesterday. "The forecasts say it will get up to plus 1C later today and then we'll have another very cold night tonight. The indication then is for temperatures to rise and even if it gets up to just above zero, I'll be happy."
The lack of racing means that jockeys have been hit hard. "The last time they earned money was the last time they rode," said Andrew Coonan, spokesperson for the Jockeys Association of Ireland.
"The loss of any portion of the the Christmas festival is huge to the jockeys. From a financial point of view it's the equivalent of losing the week of Punchestown. It's the pinnacle of the year in terms of jump racing.
"We can't plan for this adverse weather, if a jockey is injured and can't ride we have different schemes in place to try and supplement that. But now they have no income because of the weather and there isn't an insurance scheme to cover that."
It's estimated that the average jockey losing approximately €600 for every meeting that's cancelled. It's been over a month since many of them earned money and for those worst affected that means their earnings have already dried up.
"A lot of these jockeys are young married guys with mortgages and families and all the same expenses and costs that everyone else has. It's very tough for them when it should be the highlight of the year in terms of revenue." added Coonan
Jim Kavanagh of the Trainers Association said that the national hunt programme is set out in a way that leads horses from one festival or big meeting to another with the ultimate objective being Punchestown or Cheltenham. The races are spaced out to attract the best horses and as a result of the cancellations the trainers have been severely affected.
"We look forward to Leopardstown, Limerick and Down Royal as some of the most important events in the national hunt calendar," said Kavanagh.
"The trainers are suffering across the board, because of the big decrease in prize money there has been a shedding of jobs in the industry. On top of this they are having difficulty getting paid, a lot of people who were involved in racing recently have gone bust. All trainers are being hit, small, medium and large."
Bookmaker Paddy Power believes that between today and New Years day an estimated €50 million would be have been spent on Irish horse racing bets alone.
Since the cold snap hit over a month ago the Irish company are down €30 million in turnover in betting across the board.
"Every year we lose racing to the weather and we try to forecast for it. From a betting perspective, we expected one cold snap this year but we got three and there is nothing we can do about it." said Paddy Power
Sharon Byrne of the Irish Bookmakers Association believes that because of the cold snap turnover in betting shops is down in the region of 50 to 60 per cent.
"It's very difficult even for people to get to the shops, paths are treacherous, those who don't have a local shop don't bother. Phone betting is busier as people are ringing in their bets over the phone," she said
Sunday December 26 2010
Christmas cheer is in short supply in Irish racing this weekend as the sport counts the cost of a catastrophic winter season.
Since the end of November, only five race meetings out of a scheduled 19 have gone ahead in Ireland because of the big freeze and the bumper Christmas programme -- including all three scheduled meetings today in Leopardstown, Limerick and Down Royal, as well as tomorrow's big meeting at Leopardstown -- has been decimated and is costing the industry tens of millions.
Horse racing had already been severely hit by the recession and cutbacks in its funding and the last four weeks has made matters worse.
"Jockeys, trainers, betting turnover, caterers and all the casual staff associated with a race day are all feeling the effect," said Barbara White, marketing services manager at Horse Racing Ireland.
"Added together the losses would certainly run into millions. Typically in the month of December, racing attracts over 100,000 racegoers across 25 fixtures. This includes the Leopardstown and Limerick Christmas Festivals."
As things stand, Leopardstown remain hopeful that they will race on three days this week and will inspect again tomorrow morning to see if Tuesday's meeting can go ahead. If that proves an impossible target, contingency plans are in place to increase the number of races on Wednesday and Thursday, with the possibility that a new record of six Grade 1 races on the same card will be set.
While snow is the problem at Leopardstown, frost is the villain of the piece in Limerick where an inspection was planned this morning for tomorrow's re-arranged fixture.
And the festive programme in Britain has been wiped out also. Only Wolverhampton and Fontwell survived of today's scheduled eight meetings, although Fontwell inspected yesterday morning and will inspect again at 8am this morning.
Meanwhile, Kempton clerk of the course Brian Clifford remains "optimistic" that tomorrow's top-class fixture will go ahead as scheduled. The card took on even greater significance after the King George VI Chase and the Christmas Hurdle were added having been lost to frost today.
Temperatures at the Sunbury venue remained below freezing yesterday but Clifford is keeping his fingers crossed temperatures rise as predicted.
"It's minus 2 Celsius this morning and the wind chill last night wasn't too bad - it was only minus 2.8C," said Clifford yesterday. "The forecasts say it will get up to plus 1C later today and then we'll have another very cold night tonight. The indication then is for temperatures to rise and even if it gets up to just above zero, I'll be happy."
The lack of racing means that jockeys have been hit hard. "The last time they earned money was the last time they rode," said Andrew Coonan, spokesperson for the Jockeys Association of Ireland.
"The loss of any portion of the the Christmas festival is huge to the jockeys. From a financial point of view it's the equivalent of losing the week of Punchestown. It's the pinnacle of the year in terms of jump racing.
"We can't plan for this adverse weather, if a jockey is injured and can't ride we have different schemes in place to try and supplement that. But now they have no income because of the weather and there isn't an insurance scheme to cover that."
It's estimated that the average jockey losing approximately €600 for every meeting that's cancelled. It's been over a month since many of them earned money and for those worst affected that means their earnings have already dried up.
"A lot of these jockeys are young married guys with mortgages and families and all the same expenses and costs that everyone else has. It's very tough for them when it should be the highlight of the year in terms of revenue." added Coonan
Jim Kavanagh of the Trainers Association said that the national hunt programme is set out in a way that leads horses from one festival or big meeting to another with the ultimate objective being Punchestown or Cheltenham. The races are spaced out to attract the best horses and as a result of the cancellations the trainers have been severely affected.
"We look forward to Leopardstown, Limerick and Down Royal as some of the most important events in the national hunt calendar," said Kavanagh.
"The trainers are suffering across the board, because of the big decrease in prize money there has been a shedding of jobs in the industry. On top of this they are having difficulty getting paid, a lot of people who were involved in racing recently have gone bust. All trainers are being hit, small, medium and large."
Bookmaker Paddy Power believes that between today and New Years day an estimated €50 million would be have been spent on Irish horse racing bets alone.
Since the cold snap hit over a month ago the Irish company are down €30 million in turnover in betting across the board.
"Every year we lose racing to the weather and we try to forecast for it. From a betting perspective, we expected one cold snap this year but we got three and there is nothing we can do about it." said Paddy Power
Sharon Byrne of the Irish Bookmakers Association believes that because of the cold snap turnover in betting shops is down in the region of 50 to 60 per cent.
"It's very difficult even for people to get to the shops, paths are treacherous, those who don't have a local shop don't bother. Phone betting is busier as people are ringing in their bets over the phone," she said
read that article AG. wouldnt be surprised if you had penned. See other thread. See ye all in Foxrock for 3 of the best
Officials Very Hopeful That Racing will Go Ahead at Leopardstown Tomorrow (Tuesday 28th)
Following a Turf Club inspection this morning the track at Leopardstown was found to be clear of snow. However, some surface water remains on the track and the situation will be monitored throughout the day. Another 7.30am course inspection tomorrow will determine whether racing can go ahead
Thirteen runners have been declared for this year's Grade 1 Lexus Chase at Leopardstown tomorrow (Tuesday), 28th December.
The 2010 Hennessy Gold Cup winner Joncol who came third in this race last year, leads the field of thirteen, while Money Trix, who came second last year, makes the journey from Nicky Richards yard with the hope of doing one better this year. Despite being off the track for a year, The Listener, a Leopardstown specialist and the winner of this race in 2007, makes his annual trip to the Foxrock track. Ground conditions will also be in his favour.
Champion Trainer, Willie Mullins has three strong chances lead by Cooldine who came second in the Hennessy Gold Cup. He also runs Kempes and J’y Vole. While Jim Dreaper's Notre Pere will relish the heavy ground.
Pandorama winner of the Grade 1 Fort Leney Novice Chase at Leopardstown this day last year also lines up for Trainer Noel Meade as one of the favourites.
Tom Burke, General Manager Leopardstown Racecourse said: “We are very pleased with how quickly the snow has melted and despite some water remaining on the track, we are optimistic that the Christmas Festival will start tomorrow.”
Following a Turf Club inspection this morning the track at Leopardstown was found to be clear of snow. However, some surface water remains on the track and the situation will be monitored throughout the day. Another 7.30am course inspection tomorrow will determine whether racing can go ahead
Thirteen runners have been declared for this year's Grade 1 Lexus Chase at Leopardstown tomorrow (Tuesday), 28th December.
The 2010 Hennessy Gold Cup winner Joncol who came third in this race last year, leads the field of thirteen, while Money Trix, who came second last year, makes the journey from Nicky Richards yard with the hope of doing one better this year. Despite being off the track for a year, The Listener, a Leopardstown specialist and the winner of this race in 2007, makes his annual trip to the Foxrock track. Ground conditions will also be in his favour.
Champion Trainer, Willie Mullins has three strong chances lead by Cooldine who came second in the Hennessy Gold Cup. He also runs Kempes and J’y Vole. While Jim Dreaper's Notre Pere will relish the heavy ground.
Pandorama winner of the Grade 1 Fort Leney Novice Chase at Leopardstown this day last year also lines up for Trainer Noel Meade as one of the favourites.
Tom Burke, General Manager Leopardstown Racecourse said: “We are very pleased with how quickly the snow has melted and despite some water remaining on the track, we are optimistic that the Christmas Festival will start tomorrow.”
It is as simple as if the they want to race then they can. The ground is clear and the en closures and approach roads all but. Ran around it earlier and the ground is fine. It will be soft (heavy if it rains tonight)
Much ado about nothing really. I guess when one looks at a foot of snow it is hard to see it ever clearing but it was gone overnight. No snow at all now.
Get out the formbooks it is game on
Much ado about nothing really. I guess when one looks at a foot of snow it is hard to see it ever clearing but it was gone overnight. No snow at all now.
Get out the formbooks it is game on
The snow is gone but the track is waterlogged in places
Jeez AG you are some half full glass merchant. FFS I just told you earlier I jogged around the place this morning and it is fine.
will you leave people alone.
We had no rain all day and although it might rain later if Leopardstown want to race (they might prefer the insurance) it will be on.
Just leave it at that like a good man
will you leave people alone.
We had no rain all day and although it might rain later if Leopardstown want to race (they might prefer the insurance) it will be on.
Just leave it at that like a good man
Lust i was only reporting what the Leopardstown officals were reporting. From their site Leopardstown Racecourse, The Turf Club have called another inspection for 7.30am tomorrow morning. The snow is practically all gone but the track is waterlogged in places
Take it from Lusty that ran a full lap earlier. It'll be on if they want it. Drop of rain now but they will have raced on a lot worse.
People are bulling for action. I work in IT and am in the Office on Thursday. Towmorrow is the last day off for plenty of people.
People are bulling for action. I work in IT and am in the Office on Thursday. Towmorrow is the last day off for plenty of people.
Paw you know what I am not either when I look at the rain now which we missed most of the day.
Driving wind and rain for the last 3 hours.
That said I was dropping my mother back to the train just now and drove back throught the racecourse.
If the racing was on in an hour there would be no problem and I still think it will be on.
There is no water on the track that I could see in the straight anyway.
However it really is tipping it down now.
The thing about that is if it is off tomorrow there is no reason why it will be on the next day.
My own view is that they will plough on tomorrow and race as far as they can.
Does anyone remember the day Istabraq fell at the last? The ground that day was so bad it was hard to believe the horses could go down to the start so if the will is to race then they will
Driving wind and rain for the last 3 hours.
That said I was dropping my mother back to the train just now and drove back throught the racecourse.
If the racing was on in an hour there would be no problem and I still think it will be on.
There is no water on the track that I could see in the straight anyway.
However it really is tipping it down now.
The thing about that is if it is off tomorrow there is no reason why it will be on the next day.
My own view is that they will plough on tomorrow and race as far as they can.
Does anyone remember the day Istabraq fell at the last? The ground that day was so bad it was hard to believe the horses could go down to the start so if the will is to race then they will
Do I what!? I travelled out from Lucan on my motorbike.
I feel wet just thinking about it!
I feel wet just thinking about it!
tell the truth giant you only went out to admire tallaght stadium on the way 
You're right Lust. They should take the view that the crowd on the 30th (rescheduled St. Stephen's Day card) is not going to be great. So if the ground cuts up badly on the 28th/29th and it's unraceable on the 30th - then so be it.
tomorrow is their last chance for a bumper crowd. The expats will all be heading away back by the weekend. People are bulling for action now. Even if it just to get into the car and go somewhere.
Jeez for me Christmas may as well not even be a holiday if there is no racing to watch. Its my fav time of the year including Cheltenham and Aintree
Jeez for me Christmas may as well not even be a holiday if there is no racing to watch. Its my fav time of the year including Cheltenham and Aintree
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