Owners’ return to racecourse delayed with deferral of Roadmap

In line with the announcement regarding thedeferred phasing of the Roadmap for Reopening of Society andBusiness, Horse Racing Ireland confirm that plans to allow ownersreturn to the racetrack from Monday July 20 have beendelayed. With only key personnel allowed onto the racecourseduring behind closed doors meetings, racehorse owners have not beenpermitted on track since the Covid-19 lockdown in March.   It had been hoped that under Phase 4 of the Roadmap, which allowsfor outdoor gatherings of up to 500 people, that owners would bewelcomed back to Irish racecourses but yesterday’s deferralwill delay that move for three weeks.   In line with current Government guidelines, masks will continue tobe mandatory for those working indoors at the racecourse, or whenunable to socially distance at all times.   BrianKavanagh, Chief Executive of Horse Racing Ireland,said: “Since we resumed racing in Ireland on June 8 Horse RacingIreland has kept tandem with the Government’s movement on theRoadmap for Reopening of Society and Business, and will continue todo so. “The decision taken by the Cabinet yesterday to defer Phase 4of the Roadmap, means we will also, regrettably, have to defer ourambition to welcome owners back to the racecourse from July 20. Iunderstand how disappointing this will be for owners who remain ourfirst priority to return to the racecourse once restrictions areeased. “Plans were well advanced for this to happen from Monday nextat Ballinrobe and Gowran Park, and a number of owners had alreadycompleted their online medical screening. However, until the numberpermitted at outdoor gatherings is increased by the Government to500, only key personnel necessary to run a race meeting will bepermitted on site. “The level of compliance with the Covid-19 protocols sinceJune 8 has been excellent and is appreciated by the Covid-19 teamsin Horse Racing Ireland and the IHRB. “It is these protocols that ensure that we are able tocontinue to race so it is very important that everybody continuesto comply with the rules on the racecourse around social distancingand face masks, and the requirements around pre-healthscreening.”