IRISH racecourses remain concerned over the practice of drones being flown in and around live racing.

This week an English man appeared in court in Co Kildare after being apprehended by Gardaí close to Punchestown Racecourse where he was operating a drone during Monday’s meeting.

It is believed that the operator, James Denton, was providing live racing pictures for punters who hope to gain an advantage over those watching Racing TV when betting in-running.

The 30-year-old Denton, with an address in Liverpool, was actually charged with breaching Covid-19 protocols, rather than for any breach of copyright or endangering the safety of horses and jockeys.

Denton is staying at a local hotel, reportedly within five kilometres of the racecourse, but Gardai told Naas district court that he was not providing an essential service or exercising while in the area of the track.

The case is due back in court in a fortnight.

Conor O’Neill, manager of Punchestown and chairman of the Association of Irish Racecourses, told The Irish Field: “The ongoing issue of drone operators is widespread across racecourses throughout Ireland and it is very concerning for AIR and its members as it poses a number of significant concerns both from a safety and a financial perspective.”