People have been horseracing in the Curragh since before 1727 when the first recorded event took place. It is one of the pre-eminent flat courses in the world, with fantastic drainage and the base for many international horses. When Grimshaw answered the open call competition to redesign the visitor experience, however, the racecourse's buildings didn't match its global reputation. The grandstand comprised two basic mid-century shedlike structures with sight-blocking columns holding up a tinny roof, while the pre-parade and parade rings stood in a line along the track. This left them constrained and the whole area congested, particularly on derby days. The site needed to function for up to 3000 people at normal capacity events but also be enjoyable for 30,000 visitors on busier days too. Grimshaw's approach, therefore, was to re-plan the site, moving the rings away from the track to free up space for spectating. The centrepiece is, of course, a new grandstand.
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