POLITICALLY racing and the breeding industry were to the fore this week. Last week we reported on the promise of support from the Minister for Finance for the sector and the commitment of Government, while this week it was the turn of Simon Coveney, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to speak.

On Thursday Minister Coveney was on the Curragh and, while he was engulfed in fog on the gallops, there was clear news that future plans for the headquarters of Irish racing would be announced within 10 days. This will include a brand new vision and investment programme for the Curragh racecourse and full details will be forthcoming at that stage. This is a much needed advancement and it cannot happen soon enough.