Irish horseracing to return in June
Racing will resume behind-closed-doors with owners prohibited from attending
Ireland’s government has confirmed horseracing can resume on a behind-closed-doors basis from 8 June, albeit with health screening and restrictions on all attendees.
Under the proposed return, key personnel will be allowed to attend racecourses, including jockeys, stewards, trainers and racecourse staff. However, horse owners and individuals aged 70 and over will be barred from attending.
Individuals will be subject to advanced health screening and on-arrival temperature checks. Those displaying above normal temperatures will be denied access. In addition, all attendees will be required to wear face masks, while enforced social distancing will take place at all fixtures.
A panel of Covid-19 compliance officers has been assembled to ensure all measures are implemented and strictly adhered to at each race meeting.
For the first three weeks following the resumption of horseracing, races will be limited to nine centrally located racecourses. The first race will take place at the Naas racetrack on 8 June, with National Hunt racing to resume on 22 June.
The Irish Derby and Irish Champions Weekend will also take place on schedule.
Irish horseracing had been suspended since 13 March amid Irish government lockdown measures.
Horseracing Ireland CEO Brian Kavanagh said the government had constructively engaged with the industry throughout the lockdown.
“For flat racing in particular, but also for a significant portion of the National Hunt population, there is a seasonal and cyclical nature to the industry,” said Kavanagh.
“These are key months in the trade and export of horses with proven form on the racetrack, as well as a vital period in the sales season,” Kavanagh added.
As part of the resumption of Irish horseracing, all prize money will be cut until the end of June by between 10% and 50% on certain races, with all entry fees being reduced accordingly.