Gallop Closed, Dogs Chasing Horses, Trainers Furious – Tensions Mount Over Curragh Encampment

Wednesday, 11 June 2025 08:42

By Martin Osborne

Kfm understands that bailiffs, with Garda support, are now working to identify vehicle owners and continue enforcement this week.

At Foxcovert on the Curragh, 26 caravans remain on-site despite multiple visits from bailiffs over the weekend.

Notices to quit have been issued, but names of those occupying the site have not always been provided.

Kfm understands that bailiffs, with Garda support, are now working to identify vehicle owners and continue enforcement this week.

A meeting with the local Superintendent has been described as "productive".

Meanwhile, at the Curragh training grounds, trainer Willie McCreery says the encampment has forced gallop closures just ahead of Royal Ascot, putting horses, staff, and even children at risk.

“Dogs are running after the horses and it's only a matter of time before somebody gets a fall and gets badly injured,” he told the Racing Post.

He’s now questioning whether trainers should be paying full fees for facilities they can’t safely use.

"We pay our Curragh fees and we pay those fees to use a Curragh gallop and that gallop is closed at the moment, so should the owners get a reduction on their Curragh fees? We shouldn't be paying for something we cannot use," he said.

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