HUGE! Sod turned on the new all-weather track at Tipperary Racecourse redevelopment project

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon has officially turned the sod on the new Tipperary All-Weather Race Track, marking a major milestone in a redevelopment project that will significantly enhance racing infrastructure in the region.

Minister Heydon was joined at the ceremony by Nicky Hartery, Chairperson of Horse Racing Ireland; Maurice Moloney, Chairperson of the Tipperary Racecourse Committee; Andrew Hogan, Tipperary Racecourse Manager; Sinéad Carr, CEO of Tipperary County Council; and Paul Dermody, CEO of HRI Racecourses.

Local representatives, community leaders, members of the Tipperary Racecourse committee and project partners were also in attendance.

Construction will now begin on the new all-weather track, with completion targeted for the end of September 2027. The development is expected to facilitate a full winter race programme at the venue during the 2027/28 season.

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.

Speaking at the event, Minister Heydon described the project as a significant investment in the future of the racing industry.

“It is an ambitious and exciting project and I wish Andrew Hogan, Maurice Moloney and the team in Horse Racing Ireland all the best,” he said.

“The project is a major stimulus, creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and enhancing the horse racing and breeding industry that already generates €329 million in expenditure and approximately 3,000 jobs in Tipperary alone. This contributes to the national figure of €2.46 billion and more than 30,000 jobs, and will be hugely beneficial for the continued development of this world-class industry.”

Tipperary Racecourse Manager Andrew Hogan said the sod turning marked a landmark day for both the racecourse and the county.

“Today is a hugely exciting day for Tipperary Racecourse and the broader county. The new All-Weather Track is a crucial piece of infrastructure for the racing and breeding industry in Munster and beyond, and we are thrilled to see the redevelopment work get underway,” Hogan said.

“On behalf of the entire Tipperary Racecourse team, I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has supported this project and helped to get us to this point today.

"We look forward to hosting stakeholder engagement events over the summer as the project develops and we have more updates to share.”

Horse Racing Ireland Chairperson Nicky Hartery said the development represents an important step for the national racing sector.

“Today marks an important moment not only for Tipperary Racecourse but for our vibrant racing and breeding industry. The new All-Weather Track reflects Horse Racing Ireland’s strategic goal to create opportunities at all levels, and the project will bring huge positives for the industry, creating significant economic and social benefits for Tipperary and the broader region,” Hartery said.

“It will provide a major boost to racing throughout the south of the country, offering accessible racing and training facilities all year round.

"I would like to thank the Minister and his Department colleagues, Tipperary County Council and all stakeholders for their ongoing support.”

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