IRISH racing has long enjoyed Government support, and rightly so. Government has also shown confidence in the thoroughbred sector, and our ability to work within protocols, by allowing the breeding season to proceed. Given these levels of support, the failure to sanction a reopening of racing behind closed doors is puzzling.

There is no question but that when it comes to producing the best horses, and being a world leader, our racing and breeding sectors have no equals. We supply the world with our produce and we are hugely dependent on this trade.