Sellout crowds of 4,000 expected for both days of Irish Champions Weekend

Longines Irish Champions Weekend is expected to be a sold-out event, with organisers at the meeting's host tracks experiencing high demand for the 4,000 tickets on offer.

Tickets went on sale last Friday for those who had previously expressed an interest in attending, although a limited number of additional tickets were made available to the public on Monday.

"It will be sold out by the end of Friday," said Leopardstown chief executive Tim Husbands.

"We've only got around 150 tickets left, so we'll have a sold-out notice up very soon."

Evan Arkwright, who is overseeing operations at the Curragh in the interim period between Pat Keogh's departure and Brian Kavanagh's return, added: "We have a very small number of tickets remaining but we'll be sold out by the weekend. The demand has been very strong."

Curragh: hosted 1,000 spectators as part of a government-led Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby day pilot event in JuneCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Those who are fully vaccinated will have access to some indoor facilities and Arkwright has encouraged racegoers to arrive early, with entertainment planned from 11am when the Curragh's gates open on Sunday.

"We've planned plenty, including the parade of champions featuring Hurricane Fly, Faugheen, Hardy Eustace and Douvan," said Arkwright.

"We'll also have a preview show and some music. The idea is we want people to get here early at staggered entry times to minimise delays for checking IDs and Covid passports.

"We have facilities in the grandstand available to those who are fully vaccinated and there will be facilities in the enclosure areas, having put up additional marquees. There are plenty of bars and food outlets for people who aren't going into the grandstand."

Husbands added: "It's absolutely brilliant to be planning for crowds to return. We've haven't had this sort of preparation for the past 18 months, putting up marquees and hospitality areas. I think there'll be a great atmosphere."

Racegoers: set for major return to Irish tracks this weekendCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Pat Keogh offered assurances last month that the whistling noise in the Curragh's stand would be rectified in advance of this weekend, but Arkwright described the situation as "nearing completion".

The process involves an acoustic matting being placed on the roof in a bid to stop the noise when wind blows from a certain direction.

"We've had such good weather lately that it hasn't been fully tested but the project is nearing completion," said Arkwright. "The experts have been here on site and everyone is fairly confident this is a permanent solution."

With the All-Ireland football final between Tyrone and Mayo rescheduled for 5pm on Saturday, the Irish Champion Stakes has been moved to 2.45pm, from 4.10pm, with organisers citing broadcast reasons for the switch.

The move could help boost turnover in the Tote's World Pool initiative as the €1 million highlight now goes to post at 9.45pm Hong Kong time, in comparison to the original 11.10pm scheduling.

Irish Champion Stakes: all eyes on declarations due on Thursday morningCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

It is hoped declarations on Thursday will reveal at least seven runners for each race so the international markets can allow place betting with at least three places.

Races with four to six runners offer place betting for the first two home, while seven to 20 declared runners would allow for three places. A race with 21 or more declared runners is understood to increase the terms to four places.

Brian Kavanagh believes the weekend is an opportunity to inject life into Irish racecourses that have been without substantial crowds since early 2020.

"It's great to see some life coming on to the courses generally," said the outgoing HRI chief executive. "I don't go into the Curragh until November but to see crowds back everywhere is fantastic. We can't wait for the weekend."

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