OWNERS of horses in training on the Curragh and those using the Curragh’s training grounds will have 9% VAT added to their bills by the Curragh Racecourse Ltd from today. The owner of every horse in training on the Curragh is billed quarterly for €350 for use of the extensive gallops which are regarded as among the best in the world. VAT was not charged for these services when the facilities were controlled solely by the Curragh but that changed last May when a new company to run the operation was formed by Horse Racing Ireland, the Turf Club and private investors.

Curragh CEO Derek McGrath confirmed: “We absorbed the 9% VAT since then but trainers have known for some time that this charge would be passed on from April 1st. It’s unwelcome but I believe it brings us into line with other public training grounds.”