Claiming races

Sir, – On November 11th, Raymond Keogh, Peter Doyle and I met Jason Morris of Horse Racing Ireland at their offices to submit a petition regarding claiming races in the Irish racing programme. This petition was signed by 57 industry professionals including trainers, owners, bloodstock agents and the secretaries of the bookmakers’ association and stable staff association.

In the current Irish racing programme of approximately 2,500 races run annually, there are only about 11 claiming races, all on the flat. With a decline of 3,200 owners in the last six years (52%), this petition requests that the number of claiming races be increased to between 50 and 100, incorporating both flat and National Hunt - just like our US and French counterparts.

Mr Morris agreed to review the presentation and respond. Those wishing to obtain a copy of this presentation can do so by emailing me at the address below. – Yours etc.,

RICHARD McCORMICK

Woodville,

Dunboyne,

Co. Meath.

theequinevet@hotmail.com

Limerick thanks

Sir, –The reason for the recent gala lunch and auction at Limerick Racecourse may be hard to swallow but everything on the day, from the delicious food and drink to the great crowd and the warm atmosphere, went down easy.

Tom Hogan’s warm heart and brass neck put the show on the road. With partner-in-crime Suzanne Murphy they acquired practically every item on the auction list. Frankie Ward’s organisational skills and unrelenting work rate pulled the whole thing into what those present enjoyed.

A list too big for this note or any speech on the day is required, so to the many who helped, donated, bought or attended, please accept our thanks.

A substantial sum was raised, which is fantastic, but it isn’t the end of the road. Correctly directing and utilising the proceeds is also vital. Between the board of The Irish Injured Jockeys and The Robbie McNamara Trust, you can be sure both bodies will make a difference to people’s lives.

Having a charity event held in your name is something I’m sure Robbie wasn’t entirely comfortable with but he braved the microphone with the ease at which everything comes to him.

Racing is a dangerous game which we all enjoy thanks to the risks jockeys take. There is no onus on anyone to take those risks nor was there any on those who supported the Limerick event, bar perhaps a sentiment that we look out for our own. The racing industry is a fiercely competitive one but the racing fraternity is close, loyal and dependable. Thanks again. – Yours etc,

ANDY McNAMARA

Mullingar,

Co Westmeath.

Enjoyable day

Sir, - I have recently returned from my first ever visit to Limerick Racecourse, and I will forever berate myself if I don’t get around to passing on my thanks and well wishes to all involved at the course who helped make my partner Susan and myself have such an enjoyable day. - Yours etc.,

JOHN NORBURY,

Manchester

England

Stepping down

Sir, - I am writing to thank everyone who supported Jog For Jockeys 2015. The event raised just short of €30,000 for Irish Injured Jockeys and brings the total raised since 2011 to €114,000.

The Curragh Racecourse team was very helpful in making it a smooth and enjoyable event this year and we got valuable support from our volunteers who assisted on the day. We were delighted at the numbers who showed up on what was one of the wettest mornings of the Irish summer.

I am taking this opportunity to let you know that I am stepping down from the organisation of Jog For Jockeys. After five years of JFJ, I am confident that this event has established a long term place in the annual calendar of events.

Michael Higgins and his team at Irish Injured Jockeys will ensure it continues to raise much needed funds for the charity.

On behalf of our flat and National Hunt riders I thank you for your generosity and support and I hope it continues in 2016 and beyond. – Yours etc.,

AUDREY O’DWYER.

Friarstown,

Kildare

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