The cut in Tipperary's fixtures for 1999 from 12 to eight was confirmed when the Irish Horseracing Authority yesterday announced next year's fixture list.

Other features in the list are the increase in Cork racecourse's fixtures from 14 to 17, while there will be 13 more race meetings run on Sundays next year.

There was also confirmation that Galway will be a seven-day festival ending on August 1st, and Punchestown's festival will run from April 27th30th.

In all, 272 fixtures are scheduled, up four on 1998. There will be racing on 48 Sundays, including 12 double fixtures, while the number of Saturday meetings is cut from 62 to 55.

Volontiers will bid to make amends for a recent poor performance by heading for the Tote International Handicap at Ascot on Saturday.