The new programme for Government says the coalition between Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green party are “fully committed” to supporting the horseracing sector.

Reports circulating in the media on Sunday evening suggested that the racing industry would have to meet new welfare criteria in order to gain Government funding but that condition is being placed on the greyhound sector and not the equine one.

The general election took place on February 8th but a new Government has yet to be formed. However, on Monday afternoon news broke that the three parties had agreed a programme for Government which has just been published.

The document seen states: “We are fully committed to the future of horseracing sector, recognising the contribution made by these sectors socially and economically to both urban and rural Ireland.

“We will work with Horse Racing Ireland in developing the industry over the coming years, and will encourage the implementation of climate and biodiversity friendly strategies across the sector. We recognise the exposure of this valuable sector to Brexit and will work with the industry to put in place workable solutions for the movement of horses in a post-Brexit environment. We will continue to invest in the horseracing industry and in essential infrastructure, such as the Irish Equine Centre.”

Attention will focus in the coming days on the identity of the new Minister for Agriculture.

The programme also has good news for the sport horse sector and harness racing scene.

It reads: “We will continue to support the Sport Horse sector, recognising the need for increased ambition in this area to exploit the enormous potential of the sector from the perspective of competitive sport, welfare, traceability and breeding standards. The further implementation of Reaching New Heights, which underpins the sport horse industry is critical to that endeavour. We will ensure there is greater co-ordination between Government departments on the delivery of this strategy.”

On harness racing, the programme states: “We will explore the potential development of the harness racing sector.”

There is also a section on animal welfare which includes these three points of interest to the equine sector.

• Support a doubling of the ex-gratia funding for animal welfare organisations within two years.

• Prioritise equine welfare based on a robust traceability system, building on existing inspectorate supports across the country and ensuring a consistent approach to dealing with horse welfare issues across local authorities.

• Develop additional urban horse welfare programmes, working with local authorities, charities and community stakeholders to provide stabling facilities and educational programmes.

MORE ON THIS STORY IN THE IRISH FIELD NEXT WEEKEND