BRIAN Polly from Downpatrick is the new chairman of the Association of Irish Racehorse Owners. He was elected to the position at the AIRO’s annual general meeting on Tuesday. He takes over from John Weld who completed a three-year term in the position.

Polly has enjoyed much success over the years as an owner, most notably with Offshore Account, winner of the Grade 1 Champion Novice Chase at Punchestown.

John Weld will continue on the AIRO Council as vice-chairman, with Dr Brendan Doyle holding the position of honorary treasurer. James Gough from Co Meath is the association’s representative on the board of Horse Racing Ireland.

There are two new members of the Council, David Hyland from Co Kildare and Judy Maxwell from Co Down. They join existing members Ethel Flanagan, Caren Walsh, William Bourke, John Power, Sandra Fox and Richard Pugh. AIRO has over 2000 members and Aiden Burns is the manager.

Outgoing chairman John Weld recently acknowledged the support that racing receives from Government, saying it was “cognisant and supportive of our industry and appreciates the fact that it supports over 20,000 jobs and approximately half a billion Euro annual investment, much from non-nationals.”

He did voice a major concern for owners when he said: “We are constantly frustrated by the fact that we have some of the lowest prize money returns in the world and that owners still contribute about 27% of the prize money for which we compete. AIRO constantly strives to make our elected representatives aware of this situation and hopes it can encourage them to improve the funding model of Irish racing.”