THE Association of Irish Racehorse Owners and the equivalent bodies in Britain and France have joined forces to create a programme of hospitality exchanges for the exclusive benefit of their members.

This scheme will see members of France Galop’s Owners Department, the Racehorse Owners Association in Britain and AIRO have their privileges extended on a European scale, as the three organisations have agreed to mutually welcome each other’s members at some of the year’s biggest racedays.

Fixtures included in the plan are Prix du Jockey Club day at Chantilly, Deauville’s entire summer meeting, the Cheltenham, Galway and Punchestown Festivals, Irish 2000 Guineas and Pretty Polly Stakes days.

Aiden Burns, AIRO manager, said: “We have been amazed by how quickly and smoothly this agreement has come off the ground – a great testament to the core values shared by our three organisations. This is a fantastic initiative that throws open the doors of several of Europe’s premier race meetings for our members. Irish horses travel to compete in the best races around Europe, and we are delighted that our members will now be able to follow them in the best possible conditions.”

Richard Wayman of the ROA said: “Owners in Europe’s three major racing countries will be given the opportunity to enjoy some of the highlights of the flat and National Hunt season in neighbouring countries, sharing the same facilities as they enjoy at home. Owners make a huge contribution to the European racing industry and extending hospitality across borders at major meetings is a very positive development.”

Guy de Fontaines of France Galop added: “It no longer makes sense to restrict our range of activities to the national territory. Internationalisation is a fact, particularly in the thoroughbred industry where horses travel around the globe for racing and breeding purposes. It is only natural that owners start benefiting from an international status and receive the same privileged treatment as they enjoy at home when going racing abroad. In the long run, we hope that this initiative can expand and will lead to the creation of an international owners’ club.”

To gain access to the ROA marquee at the Cheltenham Festival, AIRO members must book in advance through the ROA office.