A MONTH ago the Association of Irish Racecourses suggested in this paper that it was unlikely spectators would be allowed back on Irish courses before next June, and that there must be a distinct possibility that it may be even later than that.

This was not something that the AIR would wish to actually happen, rather it was a rational assessment, at a given point in time, about the likely state of the world in the coming months.

The decision on whether racegoers get back on course is not one that the AIR, Horse Racing Ireland or any other racing body will make. Our Government will do that and our representative bodies are constantly arguing the case for our sport and industry.

Next week we will see racegoers return to tracks in England, while France has allowed racegoers for some time. Yet, their Covid figures are increasing, while ours are going down or stalled – albeit not decreasing as fast as we would wish. Racing has, without question, shown a lead when it comes to managing our sport, and this I am sure will not be lost on our leaders when the time comes.

We do need to press home this message at every opportunity, and not compare the Irish situation with any other racing jurisdiction. They all have their particular idiosyncrasies and challenges. We also have, at all costs, to ensure that we do not let our guard down and have any incidence or occurrence which would eventually come back to bite us.

A growing degree of frustration is palpable, and even understandable, within the racing family but we must also be fully conscious of the pain and suffering this pandemic is causing in the wider society. We must be grateful that we are at least allowed to stage racing. When the opportunity arises to relax restrictions I am confident that Irish racing will be one of the first activities to welcome back spectators.

Jockeys

Some weeks ago I spoke with four jockeys at various stages of their careers. From an apprentice awaiting his first winner to a classic winning jockey, they spanned all degrees of success. Eamonn Fitzgerald, Gavin Ryan, Rachel Blackmore and Emmet McNamara all shared their stories, coming into racing by very different paths.

The interview is now available to watch online and the quartet provided some great insights which I know will be enjoyed by all, and be especially useful for any aspiring jockeys. Please visit www.equuip.ie/working-in-the-industry/the-people-behind-the-moment/