WHAT a week it has been for the Association of Irish Racecourses (AIR) and its members, those who own and operate all 26 racecourses on the island of Ireland. They have lobbied hard to increase attendances at racemeetings; however, it has been far from straightforward.

Our industry is quite extraordinary as it covers a multitude of categories, namely agriculture, sport, hospitality and entertainment. Our racecourses are professionally organised events where mass gatherings traditionally have taken place both indoors and outdoors.