RACING:A DROP in the number of race meetings run in Ireland next year is expected when the 2011 fixture list is finally revealed next week.
Up to 10 fixtures could be cut, which would bring the number to 335. This year’s list of 345 was down seven on 2009 as the recession continues to bite.
In recent years the list has been announced during the Galway festival, but there has been a delay on the back of uncertainty about funding and Government legislative plans for taxing off-shore internet and telephone betting.
Clonmel stages a dual-purpose card this evening, and it could be worth waiting for the concluding bumper where the topically named Presenting Nama can go one better than on his Galway debut.
Presenting Namashowed a marked improvement after three point-to-points to defy 50 to 1 odds and finish runner-up to Coronea Lilly at the summer festival.
The 82-rated Echoes Of Historyshould land the opening mile- and-a-quarter maiden, while the Killarney and Wexford winner Phantasy Rockcan complete a quick hat-trick under a penalty in the 10-furlong handicap.
