Horse Racing Ireland break silence to reveal constructive discussions ongoing with government over resumption
HORSE Racing Ireland have broken their silence over a potential resumption of racing.
There was shock among the HRI top brass following Leo Varadkar’s public address last Friday which suggested Irish racing could be suspended until 29 June.
Since the speech, HRI has been tight-lipped, with numerous members of the Irish racing industry voicing their frustration this week.
Earlier on Thursday, Varadkar stated that the government would examine proposals from sectors of the economy wishing to have restrictions lifted earlier than scheduled in the government’s ‘roadmap’.
In a statement, HRI chief Brian Kavanagh sounded a note of optimism following several days of discussions.
He said: “Horse Racing Ireland and the Irish racing community are fully supportive of the Government and the Chief Medical Officer for the way in which they have handled this unprecedented public health emergency.
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“Through the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine there has been constructive engagement with various Government departments this week on the basis that racing will only resume behind closed doors when it is deemed safe and appropriate.
“Prior to March 24, race fixtures were among the last group of Tier 2 commercial activities to continue with ten fixtures staged safely behind closed doors with only key personnel permitted on site.
“Horse Racing Ireland’s Covid-19 protocols which were in place for those fixtures have been further strengthened in the meantime and we feel that the industry can safely resume sooner rather than later and will continue to engage with Government on that basis.”
Racing resumed in Germany on Thursday, while racing is set to get underway in France on Monday.