THE number of trainers being fined €350 over passport irregularities is expected to fall following a meeting this week between officials from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board, Horse Racing Ireland and the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association.

A year ago the IHRB introduced compulsory passport checks on racedays for all runners. The rules were tightened up further in May this year, particularly in cases where the vaccination notices in passports are deemed not in order. A fine of €350 is imposed for clerical errors and, in instances where the vaccination entry is “demonstrably incorrect”, the horse is not allowed to run.

The IHRB says the rules are being strictly enforced to protect the health of the thoroughbred herd and only “properly immunised horses” are allowed to race.

But the Irish Racehorse Trainers’ Association [IRTA] says the authority does not need to be so hard on trainers who fall foul of the regulations.