IRISH racing received a blow this week when the Government decided against increasing the number of people allowed at outdoor gatherings, which remains at a maximum of 200.

That means that current protocols which only allow key personnel to attend race meetings will remain in place, and the return of owners, which Horse Racing Ireland has prioritised as the next group to be allowed back racing when restrictions are eased, will have to wait until at least August 31st.

In an email to owners this week, Aidan McGarry, owner relations manager at HRI, acknowledged a feeling of frustration but said the governing body will continue to be guided by the Government’s regulations.

He said: “The past few months have been challenging for every industry in the country, and racing is no different. Throughout this time, Horse Racing Ireland has engaged directly with Government, highlighting the importance of the industry to the country and the central role that racehorse owners play within the industry.

“Everything we have done and continue to do is to make sure racing remains on a safe and solid footing, and continues not just now but over the coming months. We want you to be able to race your horse for the best possible prize-money without the interruptions we experienced in the late spring/early summer.

Working with Government

“No one wants to return to that scenario, and it is for that reason that we have worked so closely with Government.”

Despite owners not being able to attend race meetings for the majority of the year, HRI’s six-month statistics for the first six months of the year were positive, notably with horses in training at the end of June going up 6.8%. Speaking to the The Irish Field, McGarry said that trend has continued over the last month but suggested we may not see the full impact of the Covid-19 effect on the industry with regard to owners until further down the line.

In Britain, Goodwood was set to host a crowd of up to 5,000 people last Saturday as part of the British Government’s pilot scheme to reintroduce crowds to sporting events, however this plan was cancelled the day before.

Owners have been allowed to attend race meetings over the past two months in Britain and racecourses could be in line to host crowds as part of the pushed back pilot scheme in September.