THE news story above this column iterates something that has been quite a theme in my editorials for some time, the importance of constant vigilance with regards to welfare.

It is a topic very much in the eye of Horse Racing Ireland’s chairman Nicky Hartery, and he emphasised the point on Tuesday night at the HRI Awards in Dublin.

I would urge you to also read the full story and to take notice of the last line in Mark Costello’s report. It notes comments made by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, on the night and, while it has gone somewhat under the radar, he referred to the fact that previous popular support for the funding of racing is no longer the case in Dáil Éireann.

As a Minister with a direct connection with racing and breeding, and a supporter of both, it is imperative that his words are heeded.

This is an alarm signal that the industry will ignore at its peril. We have a good, solid case for sustained funding, but we cannot take it as a given that it will continue ad infinitum. We have to work hard to ensure we continue to earn it. They say that nothing lasts forever, but we must make certain that Government support of our vital, rural, green and economic-generating sector endures, and even grows.

If we are to maintain our world-class standing, and be leaders in our endeavours, we have to be fully funded and supported. That support must also come from all who work within the sport and the business, and we must not simply assume that outside backing will always be available.

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