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THE Department of Agriculture has confirmed that horse racing is included in the list of sporting activities which is not due to resume until June 29th.
However, the Government will consider proposals from bodies such as Horse Racing Ireland on lifting restrictions at an earlier time. Several sources have told The Irish Field that there is a good chance racing will be moved forward to 'phase 2' which would see it cleared to resume by June 8th.
The racing industry had hoped that racing would be among one of the first activities permitted to restart, possibly as early as May 18th, but that now seems extremely unlikely.
Racing resumed in Germany today [Thursday] and is due to restart in France next Monday.
HRI STATEMENT
At 7pm on Thursday Horse Racing Ireland released a statement to say "work is ongoing with Government officials around an appropriate date for the resumption of racing in Ireland."
The statement continued: "In publishing the roadmap last week, the Government stated an appetite to engage and consult with sectors on possible changes to the timings in the plan, and Horse Racing Ireland has been fully engaged in that process this week. In addition, the Taoiseach stated in the Dail earlier today that the Government would examine proposals from sectors of the economy wishing to have restrictions lifted earlier than scheduled in the Government’s roadmap, and HRI is availing of this offer."
Brian Kavanagh, HRI's chief executive, said: "Horse Racing Ireland and the Irish racing community are fully supportive of the Government and the Chief Medical Officer for the way in which they have handled this unprecedented public health emergency.
“Through the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine there has been constructive engagement with various Government departments this week on the basis that racing will only resume behind closed doors when it is deemed safe and appropriate.
“Prior to March 24th, race fixtures were among the last group of Tier 2 commercial activities to continue with 10 fixtures staged safely behind closed doors with only key personnel permitted on site. Horse Racing Ireland’s Covid-19 protocols which were in place for those fixtures have been further strengthened in the meantime and we feel that the industry can safely resume sooner rather than later and will continue to engage with Government on that basis.”
FIANNA FÁIL STATEMENT
Also on Thursday Fianna Fáil Senator Paul Daly, who is also chairman of Kilbeggan Racecourse, called for racing to be moved up the schedule for a resumption.
He said that, as it stands, racecourses will not get back to action behind closed doors until June 29th, under phase three of the Government’s reopening plan.
“While I understand these phases are not set in stone, it is hard to comprehend why outdoor spaces and team sport training can take place outdoors in phases one and two, but racing can’t recommence until phase three.
“I understand that British and French racing is to resume behind closed doors from next week the 15th and 11th of May respectfully. As our three countries are integral to each other’s markets a further six-week delay to an Irish resumption will be devastating for the Irish sector and put us at a serious disadvantage.
“Without a doubt public health takes precedence, and we will be guided by medical professionals, but where it makes sense for flexibility to be given common sense must prevail.
“Horseracing is non-contact and plans are in place for a resumption behind closed doors with the strictest health and safety procedures in place. Putting it in the same bracket as contact sports does not make sense,” he concluded.
MORE ON THIS DEVELOPING STORY IN THE IRISH FIELD ON SATURDAY
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