PETER Allen is just weeks into his new role as Senior Steward of the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee. While the title may sound a tad old-fashioned, the role and the man occupying it are very modern and up-to-date.

Allen follows in a long line of distinguished holders of the position, an honorary role that requires quite a commitment from the Galway solicitor for the next two years. He has already served what is effectively a two-year apprenticeship role as the Deputy Senior Steward, and been at the heart of matters during what has often been a difficult time in racing politics.

Nonetheless he is looking forward with great anticipation to his new role, one that he combines with the position of Chairman of the Galway Race Committee. A similarity in both positions is that they have a long and distinguished history of being at the heart of racing.

Allen was catapulted early into the Galway role following the untimely death of Terry Cunningham last year. Aware that he is following a family tradition, both in terms of being a member of the Committee and its chairman, Allen is hopeful that these dual roles will complement each other, providing different insights into racing

“I don’t see any conflict because both bodies are involved in racing and are promoting racing, albeit from two different aspects. The Turf Club promotes racing by managing its integrity, important from a public image point of view. Galway Races is in the business of providing people with an entertaining days racing and making it an enjoyable and memorable experience.”

Threats to racing at Galway from the development of a new road, potentially directly impacting on the track, appear to be lessening and Allen provides an update on the matter. “The plans are that the road will still go ahead and how much it affects the racecourse will be decided by An Bord Pleanala or at a public hearing.

“At present the plans in place will upset the stable area but we are hoping to be able to reach an agreement and will be accommodated in some way. In fairness to the authorities I would have to say that they are going to extraordinary lengths to try and not disturb Galway Races as much as possible. They want the road to be built and they see the necessity for it, but they want the impact to be minimal.

“The track is sacrosanct and I think they appreciate that. They have come around to our way of thinking. A track takes a long time to develop.”

The Turf Club and the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee are both embodied in law as the custodians of racing’s integrity. This is a common goal for both bodies and one that Allen and his counterpart on the flat, Meta Osborne, hold in the highest regard. How do both bodies stand in terms of seniority?

“We are equal bodies and any other view is a perception rather than a reality. We are joint-owners of the building where are offices are, the Act cites us as equal. There may have been a perception in the past that because we have the word Committee in our name that we were somehow a lesser body, but from a practical point of view the Turf Club doesn’t have any real involvement in National Hunt racing, and our Committee doesn’t have any active part in flat racing.

“It is both of our roles to police the sport, as such, and 98% of our rules are common rules. Meta and I have a lot of communication and we have joint meetings about one a month with all the stewards.”

With the start of a new year and a new term as Senior Steward, has Allen set any goals for his time in office? With a smile he quickly replies: “Keeping the peace and not getting into trouble! Seriously, I have a number of priorities. Animal and jockey welfare would be major priorities, while keeping drugs out of the sport is another. Drugs are advancing every day, and so too is technology. We have to ensure that we are as up-to-date as we possibly can be, and vigilant.”

While using the term ‘policing’ the sport with caution, Allen is adamant that the Turf Club and INHSC have a responsibility as well as a duty to make sure that best practices are followed by everyone involved in racing. “For example, it is only right that we make sure than any individuals we licence ensure the best welfare for the animals in their care. Jockey’s and stable-staff welfare must also be protected and we have to make sure trainers are enforcing the rules.”

Have trainers reacted negatively to the more comprehensive scrutiny from the authorities? “I wouldn’t say we have met with resistance and nearly every trainer has embraced the health and safety aspects of the rules. Horses are their livelihood and it’s in their interest to ensure they are well looked after. Occasionally a trainer might feel that they have been targeted, but that is not the case.”

CHALLENGES

Where does Allen see National Hunt racing in Ireland at the present time – is it in a good place or is it facing challenges? “I think it sits in a very good place, there’s no doubt about that. Does it have challenges? Well there is the challenge to stay at the top. If you are at the top it is very easy to be knocked off it. I suppose you would be afraid that it would become an elitist sport for a group of wealthy people who can afford it.

“However I think there are enough National Hunt races around the country that will be attractive for the syndicates and for the small owner. National Hunt racing is unique and having fences to jump can be a great leveller. There’s always the chance that the small guy can suddenly win a big race.”

When it comes to matter of point-to-point racing, Allen sees a challenge ahead for the INHSC. “Point-to-point racing is very important and under current legislation we have to look after it. I think we will have to address the issue of handlers and how they are regulated. This may involve making sure their stables are up to scratch and animals are well looked after. That’s a challenge because it hasn’t been done before.”

This weekend sees the implementation of Rule 2.12 concerning non-triers and there has been plenty of comment in advance from various bodies. Does Allen believe that the new rule will improve matters overall?

“I think it will. The main reason for it is to give confidence to the punter and the ordinary racegoers. It is to ensure that every horse is running on its merit. There was never an intention to point a finger at anyone or any group – we just wanted to make sure that when a horse is in a race, and a jockey is on it, that they are making their best effort.”

What is Allen’s view on voluntary raceday stewards and is the present system fit for purpose? “There is no system that cannot be improved. That said, I think it is fit for purpose. I believe the voluntary aspect of it, assisted by professionals, is fine. The voluntary stewards are doing it for the right reasons; they are not doing it for monetary gain. We have to ensure that the stewards are experienced though.

“There must be Continuing Professional Development, for want of a better phrase, and we continually keep the stewards updated on changing rules or aspects of it. Stewards now train for about two years before being fully appointed. They see every aspect of the raceday experience and then they are assigned to a track.”

A number of high-profile reversals of stewards’ decisions have taken place in recent years and Allen addressed the impact they have had. “I am sure these cases have hurt the stewards involved initially.

“They make a decision in good faith and might wonder afterwards if they did something wrong. I think it is not necessarily a case of doing something wrong, it is just that somebody else, often with more time and information, takes a slightly different view.”

Publicly the relationship between the Turf Club and HRI has appeared at times to be strained, or even at breaking point. Does Allen see it differently?

“To be perfectly honest I do. I know that there have been things out there in the past, but I think that we have a common purpose. Their job is to promote racing and ours is to police it. Both go hand in hand. You can’t promote something as being very good unless it’s policed properly, and by doing the latter properly you enhance its value and appeal to people.

“We have a common aim to make sure that racing in Ireland is the best.”

Allen is quick to make clear his view of HRI’s chief executive Brian Kavanagh and his confidence in him. “He’s the chief executive and he has done a fantastic job up to this. Nobody can question that. On a global stage he is hugely appreciated and he’s the man to have there.”

Is there a single banana skin that Allen feels could trip racing up, is a concern for the Senior Steward? “You are always wary of drugs. That is a major worry which I’d say every senior steward in every racing jurisdiction around the world has.”

A passion for racing, and an interest in every aspect of the sport and business, is certain to be useful ammunition as Allen embarks on an exciting two years at the helm of the INHSC.