STABLE staff may have to be licensed and undergo some training in future if they wish to work on racecourses.

Currently stable staff are issued with Racing Establishment Employee Cards, obtained by their employers simply by filling in an online form and submitting a photograph. Now the IHRB has raised the issue of licences with the Irish Stablestaff Association [ISA] and the topic is expected to be discussed at the ISA’s annual general meeting in The Lord Bagenal Hotel in Leighlinbridge, Co Carlow on Tuesday (April 22nd) at 6.30pm. All stable staff are welcome.

ISA chief executive Bernard Caldwell said: “There are different opinions on this proposal and we will have to review what it entails. It needs to be discussed with trainers too. Personally I am concerned about asking experienced stable staff to go on a course. Who are the teachers?”

An IHRB spokesperson said: “Under the Horse Racing Ireland Act, the IHRB is required to license racecourses and all participants in racing, including all classes of trainers, jockeys, jockeys’ valets, jockeys’ agents and stable staff. Further to that, the IHRB Strategy 2024-2027 commits to carrying out a review of our licensing process and licence categories to ensure they remain fit for purpose and relevant to the needs of the industry. We recently commenced development of a new licensing IT system. Therefore, in that context, we have held initial consultations with key stakeholders to ascertain their views on the licensing process and licence categories. We look forward to continuing that engagement to ensure any system implemented meets legislative requirements.”