RECENT trials of a new design of hurdle at Fairyhouse and Tipperary have been described as successful, though the fresh Easyfix build is set to be tested further this winter to build a larger trialling sample.

Earlier this month, Fairyhouse played host to two meetings in the same week with the modernised Easyfix hurdles in place, while Tipperary’s Super Sunday raceday – featuring two Grade 3 hurdle races – took place over the obstacles that are primarily made of PPR plastic.

Unlike the typical green Easyfix hurdle seen at many tracks in Ireland, the redesigned, one-fit unit visually gives the impression of a traditional timber hurdle. The build does not allow for any splinters to be picked up, with no broken top-bars or moveable padding. Should the ash leg of the hurdle break, it can be replaced within seconds, while the whole hurdle can be dismantled and reassembled in minutes using a spanner.

Fairyhouse manager Peter Roe says the course spent close to €20,000 on its hurdle reparation and building in 2023 - with 178 hurdles broken in the calendar year - and that the necessary ash now needs to be imported from France due to ash dieback in Ireland. Easyfix’s latest design is guaranteed to last for eight to 10 years.

Roe told The Irish Field: “Trialling any product on ground that is good, good to firm in places is a fair test, and that’s what we did here the other day. The hurdles held up remarkably well through the card while still requiring plenty of jumping - that’s what you want.

“On the first card, a horse hit one of the hurdles so hard that the two legs of the hurdle broke and the obstacle collapsed, but the horse didn’t fall and there was no injury picked up. From speaking to the vets, the initial indications are very positive about the hurdles.

“From the start of next season, there is a move away from birch hurdles so some form of a different form of hurdle needs to be implemented. This is just part of a trial the IHRB is working on. So far, it has been successful, though it’s early days and we haven’t got enough data yet.

Further testing

“All of Fairyhouse’s inside track fixtures before the end of the year will trial these hurdles again, and other courses are doing similar. The hurdles are in plenty of leading trainers’ yards and the feedback has been positive towards them, but you want them tested properly under racing conditions. That’s what we’re doing. It’s a major change from traditional hurdles.”

There were only a total of 18 runners across the three hurdles races that Tipperary hosted earlier this month, but racecourse manager Andrew Hogan was pleased with the design’s performance.

“I think using these hurdles is a no-brainer,” said Hogan.

“We were delighted with them. One horse stepped slightly at the second-last hurdle in one of the races and he didn’t lose much momentum, whereas our existing Easyfix hurdle would have taken his momentum back more. I received no negativity on the day. All the on-course vets said they had no injuries from any horses.”

He added: “Maintenance isn’t an existing issue for us as we already have a previous style of Easyfix hurdle here but, with the benefit of horse welfare, these hurdles jump much more like your traditional hurdle. We see them as a benefit to the horse and there would be a huge saving on labour for those switching from using traditional hurdles. We’re keen to use them going forward.”