THE Association of Irish Racehorse Owners [AIRO] has had a tough week, finding itself admonished by the Minister for Agriculture on Tuesday and then settling an expensive High Court case yesterday.

Both developments centre around the process by which the AIRO nominates a person to represent owners on the board of Horse Racing Ireland. Jim Gough (above) currently holds that position but his tenure is about to expire and the AIRO wants to replace him.