Derek McGrath is swapping the politics of European Club Rugby for the challenge of overseeing a €65 million redevelopment at the Curragh Racecourse and leading the home of Irish flat horse racing to a bright new future.
Curragh Racecourse Ltd was formed last year to bring together funding from the Turf Club, Horse Racing Ireland and a group of wealthy private stakeholders in the sport and lift the Curragh to a new level of facilities and position within world racing.
A veterinary surgeon by qualification, McGrath comes to the position with a strong history of achievement in the sports and leisure sector, most notably as Chief Executive of European Rugby Cup Ltd from 2000 to 2014.
In this position he had full responsibility for the European Club Rugby competitions, the Heineken Cup and the Amlin Challenge Cup.
He stepped down from the role with the change of governance in European Club Rugby that heralded the emergence of the Champions’ Cup from a new base in Switzerland.
McGrath was highly regarded as an administrator and his loss to the sport was felt to be a real blow. It is good news therefore that he has reemerged within a sporting context even if it is swapping saddles for tackle bags and as an operator rather than an administrator.
McGrath will commence his appointment on April 11th and will have responsibility for all matters pertaining to the home of Flat racing in Ireland.
“We are delighted to announce Derek’s appointment and are very pleased that he has agreed to accept the position,” said Padraig McManus, Chairman of the new company.
“We have exciting plans for the redevelopment of the Curragh and Derek is the ideal figure to lead the Curragh forward into the future.”
“I am delighted to be taking up the challenge of managing such a prestigious sporting facility as the Curragh Racecourse and Training Grounds,” added McGrath.
“As the Home of the Classics, the Curragh holds iconic status in Irish sport and I am looking forward to being part of the team to lead the Curragh through its ambitious redevelopment programme and into the future.”
