Tipperary racecourse is set to be axed at the end of next year after yesterday's decision by the Irish Horseracing Authority to end its ownership of the track.

In a statement, the IHA declared that it viewed the racecourse at Limerick Junction as a summer racing venue that does not have the potential for winter racing.

As a result, the IHA state that they "intend to divest itself of ownership of the racecourse and that it does not envisage retaining the track in IHA ownership beyond the end of 1999."

The Authority say they are willing to consider the future of Tipperary in consultation with local groups who might have an interest in buying it.

Significantly, however, the IHA add the proviso that any acquisition would be on the basis of Tipperary not having more than eight fixtures a year. The statement declares that the venue currently is suitable for racing only between May and October.

It continues: "In the event that a suitable offer from a third party to acquire the track is not forthcoming, the Fixtures Committee of the Authority will not be proposing the allocation of fixtures to the racecourse in the year 2000. The IHA will then divest itself of the land and buildings."

It's believed that the IHA Chief Executive Noel Ryan was due to attend a public meeting hosted by the Tipperary Racecourse Supporters Club in Tipperary town last night to explain the reasons for the Authority's move.

Michael Stoute and Saeed bin Suroor look to hold control over Saturday's £250,000 Coral-Eclipse Stakes after being responsible for more than half of the five-day acceptors for the Group One contest made yesterday.

The duo have dominated the race since 1993, the former's three successes with Opera House, Ezzoud and Pilsudski, overlapping Halling's victories in 1995 and 1996 for the Godolphin operation.