THE loss of such a significant segment of the spring season combined with the requirement for the resumption of racing to take place on a behind-closed-doors basis has prolonged the financial impact of the pandemic on the sport.

Ahead of next weekend’s restart, Tattersalls Ireland has provided hunt committees with a welcome and significant cash injection by announcing a comprehensive package to support each of the fixtures that take place throughout the pre-Christmas period.

Ireland’s leading sponsor of point-to-point racing has committed to offering sponsorship to each of the fixtures held during the autumn, including the two meetings that will be held on the grounds of their sales venue in Ratoath.

Commenting on the enhanced sponsorship, Tattersalls Ireland CEO, Matt Mitchell said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in challenging times for the point-to-point sector, Tattersalls Ireland are pleased to support the upcoming point-to-point season by expanding our sponsorship to all hunts.

“Tattersalls Ireland is committed to supporting the National Hunt sector in Ireland and this sponsorship, together with the €100,000 Tattersalls Ireland George Mernagh Memorial Sales Bumper and sponsorship at the Dublin Racing Festival demonstrates our commitment.”

The INHSC and the Qualified Riders Association have also come forward with further financial supports to assist in negating the negative financial impacts for hunts of racing taking place without crowds.

Hunt committees have been informed that the contributions of the three organisations will total €2,000 for each fixture in the autumn season which takes place behind closed doors.

This is in addition to the Administration Grant of €6,500 that is paid by Horse Racing Ireland, who also cover the cost of all prize money.

These hunt committees will also benefit from cost savings derived from no longer hiring marquees and in the cost of printing racecards.

The IHRB has also committed to cover the cost of the Health Screening and temperature checks and the additional staff members required to facilitate this.

Separately, owners and handlers who were unable to run a large number of their horses last season have been supported with the refunding of fees.

With just under three months of last season having been lost to the pandemic, the Point-to-Point Handlers Association made a submission to the IHRB seeking a refund of the Hunter Certificate fees for those horses which had not run due to the premature end to racing.

Horse Racing Ireland agreed to the request when it was put to them by the Stewards of the INHSC and will refund the Hunter Certificate fees of 927 horses which did not run in the spring, and additionally the Handler Permit fees of 144 handlers who did not have a runner due to Covid-19.