THE Minister for Agriculture, Ivan Yates, yesterday announced details of a £30 million capital development programme for the country's racecourses to be administered by the Irish Horseracing Authority.

The plan is for the Government and the IHA to each supply a quarter of the funds, with the racecourses being asked, somewhat optimistically, to supply the balance from local funds.

Possibly leading tracks such as Punchestown, who have a £9 million plan in the pipe line, may come up with their share of the money, but while it may be overly pessimistic to talk about closures of some of our more modest venues, they will presumably have to struggle on without any significant official investment.

The minister was more bullish, saying that the new fund will lead to a dramatic upgrading of facilities at racecourses thereby enhancing the attractiveness of horseracing. Improving facilities for the ordinary punter has been his personal priority since being appointed minister, he said.

This new initiative is a key turning point for the sector and will ensure its ability to expand and compete at international level. While major national support is now available, it is also critical that the business community, particularly the agri business sector, invests in local racecourses. Also, given the limited number of racing fixtures, racecourse committees will have to look at non racing revenue to maximise returns and assist in racecourse development.

"The establishment of this fund will be a central feature of the IHA five year strategy now nearing completion. This strategy could not be completed before now as the approval of the development fund was necessary precondition for its finalisation," he concluded.

. Metastasio and trainer Ger McArdle gave the locals plenty to cheer about when they won the listed Carroll trophy Handicap Hurdle at Dundalk last evening. Surprisingly, Metastasio was a first winner at the course for McArdle who trains just outside the town.

Richard Dunwoody, having his first ride at Dundalk, won the Ardee Maiden Hurdle on 11/10 favourite Just An Illusion, trained by Dermot Weld.