EARLIER this week, the Association of Irish Racecourses (AIR) requested a formal meeting with Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) and the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) regarding the easing of Covid-19 restrictions. The Association represents all 26 racecourses nationwide.

Paddy Walsh, chief executive officer of AIR, said: “Although we appreciate that navigating the reopening of society and easing of restrictions is an onerous task, our members are frustrated. They have done everything that has been asked of them; facilities have been turned inside out to ensure that protocols and guidelines have been meticulously adhered to at tracks nationwide.