HORSE Racing Ireland has updated its raceday protocols to bring them into line with the European ‘traffic light system’ which reduces the number of days people must self-restrict their movements after international travel.

Since racing resumed in June, anyone who had been abroad – even for sales or racing overseas – has been prohibited from entering an Irish racecourse until they quarantine for 14 days and show no symptoms of Covid-19. In September this rule was relaxed for jockeys competing in Group 1 races and further concessions for jockeys were revealed in The Irish Field last week.

However, now all those applying to attend a racemeeting after being abroad can reduce their self-restriction period depending on whether they are returning from a ‘green’, ‘orange’ or ‘red’ region. The change in protocol is most likely to affect stable staff, trainers and transporters who have been to Britain for racing or sales.

From now on, those who have been to Britain can reduce their self-restriction period to five days if they inform the IHRB of their movements, take a Covid-19 PCR (swab) test on day five after they return (at their own expense) and submit evidence of a negative result to the IHRB.

Further details can be found on pages 72-73 of the raceday protocol on the HRI website.

Meanwhile, a limited number racegoers and bookmakers returned to some British racecourses this week and there will be up to 2,000 members of the public at today’s high-profile meetings at Aintree and Sandown. Tickets sold out in minutes for both venues.

The Welsh government has not followed suit, however, meaning that Chepstow’s Welsh Grand National meeting will take place behind closed doors later this month.

A statement issued by Chepstow Racecourse said: “The Welsh Government has announced that spectators will not be allowed to attend race meetings in Wales until early 2021 due to the Covid19 pandemic.

“It had been hoped we could welcome spectators at Chepstow and Ffos Las following Boris Johnson’s decision to allow customers to attend elite sport in Tier 1 and 2 regions in England from December 2nd.

“Unfortunately this is not the case, and discussions with Welsh Government are continuing. We hope for a positive outcome.”