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According to Lynam, some 37% of British races run are already below that threshold “and it could soar to 50% if tariffs on imports are introduced when Britain leaves the EU.”

There are just 35 working days until Britain is due to leave the European Union, with or without a deal.

Bookmakers say it is long odds-on that the March 29th deadline will be put back, perhaps by as much as a year to allow for further talks, but as of yesterday British Prime Minister Theresa May (pictured) was still refusing to rule out a ‘no deal’ Brexit.

This week The Irish Field asked major racing organisations for information on their preparations for a no-deal Brexit.

Most said they had plans in place but, in reality, there was only a limited amount they could do in the absence of Government-level guidance.

PLANS

As talks continue between political leaders in London, who are trying to find common ground on how to proceed, the default situation is that Britain will leave the EU at the end of March with no deal.

Expert commentators say that, at the very least, Britain and the EU will agree to delay Britain’s exit date by a year. A lengthy transition period will surely be required to put the huge number of administrative and legal protocols in place.

However, it is certainly possible that a frustrated EU and a paralysed British government may not be able to agree on an alternative to the March 29th crash-out.

In such an event, what would the implications be for our racing and breeding industry?

Movement of horses

The British Horseracing Authority says the import of equines into the UK will not change immediately after exit “as the UK is replicating current systems”.

However, it is acknowledged by all parties that the Tripartite Agreement which facilitates the smooth movement of registered equines between Ireland, Britain and France will be invalidated.

Work on a replacement ‘High Horse Health’ certificate has been done but cannot be implemented until more is known about the nature of Britain’s status with the EU. It is assumed that the EU will grant ‘third country’ status to Britain but that is not guaranteed nor is its timing.

British horses (including those in Northern Ireland) coming to Ireland would require “the appropriate ID document and appropriate health documentation”, according to the Britain’s Ministry for Agriculture.

Horse Racing Ireland says that horses going to/from Britain will have to go through veterinary checks at a Border Inspection Post. Currently only Dublin Airport and Shannon Airport have this facility, which is impractical for almost all trainers and breeders.

New BIPs may be set up at Dublin Port and Rosslare Harbour but, even with the right certification, long delays are likely.

Stable staff

EU drivers’ licences will be invalid in Northern Ireland and Britain. Horsebox drivers would need to apply for a ‘green card’.

Similarly, Ireland could no longer recognise transport authorisations, certifications of competence or vehicle approval certificates issued by the UK. The European Health Insurance Card will not cover medical costs in the UK. Trainers will have to clarify health insurance arrangements for staff crossing the border,

Tariffs

A tariff of up to 11.5% of the purchase price could be applied to geldings bought in Ireland and destined for Britain. The same charge could apply to Irish buyers of geldings at British sales.

Currency

The British pound, worth €1.13 yesterday, is likely to fall in value should the UK leave the EU without a trade deal. Any fall in British spending power is bad news for Irish bloodstock, and it would be worsened by a recession in the UK.