WHICH Irish racecourse will be the first to introduce new padded hurdles, already in use at 12 British tracks?

The new-look obstacles were trialled on the Curragh training grounds this week and the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board says it will approve any application by an Irish track to install the hurdles.

Trainers Willie Mullins, Alan Fleming, Conor O’Dwyer, Shay Slevin, Fergal Birrane, Seamus Fahey and Eric McNamara supplied horses for this week’s trial and riders Ruby Walsh, Paul Townend, Danny Mullins, Rachael Blackmore, Brian Hayes, Donagh Meyler, Donie McInerney, J.J. Slevin, Ricky Doyle and Ryan Treacy took part.

Also present were Bill Watt, CEO of Wattfences Ltd, who manufactured and supplied the padded hurdles, along with the five IHRB clerks of the course, Michael Grassick of the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association, Andrew Coonan of the Irish Jockeys Association, various racecourse managers and ground staff, other trainers, riders and interested parties.

Michael Grassick commented: “The concept is good and padding gives added protection to the horse and this would reduce the number of cuts and abrasions which they can get with the existing hurdles.”

NO HESITATION

Paul Murtagh, IHRB head of raceday operations, said: “These padded hurdles are the result of many years research and development. In their current format and design, I would have no hesitation in recommending to the directors of the IHRB that they approve their use should any racecourse seek to introduce them.”