SENIOR figures in Irish racing and breeding have reacted positively to this week’s indication from the British government that the current customs arrangements between the UK and the European Union are likely to remain in place after Britain formally leaves the EU next March.

With no clear solution in sight as to how Britain can keep the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland open, while closing its other EU borders, Westminster officials this week published its ‘backstop’ or ‘safety net’ proposal in the event of no agreed solution being found in time.