HRI announce amendments to Resumption of Racing Protocols

In line with An Taoiseach’s announcement lastFriday regarding the phasing of the Roadmap for Reopening ofSociety and Business, the Board of Horse Racing Ireland hasapproved a number of amendments to the HRI Covid-19 Protocols, allof which are consistent with Government guidelines.   From WednesdayJuly1st, a number of amendments to the Resumption ofRacing protocols will come intoeffect. <ul><li style='margin:0cm 0cm 0.0001pt'>The prohibition onattendance of those aged over 70 in the various attendee categorieswhich are permitted under the Protocols – trainers, stewards,vets etc. – will beremoved</li><li style='margin:0cm 0cm 0.0001pt'>The current limit of nomore than three journalists and three photographers will beincreased to a maximum offive</li><li style='margin:0cm 0cm 0.0001pt'>One representative ofAssociations whose attendees are permitted to be at race meetingswill beallowed.</li><li style='margin:0cm 0cm 0.0001pt'>Premier Handicaps inIreland to be opened to international runners in addition to allBlack Type races under bothcodes</li><li style='margin:0cm 0cm 0.0001pt'>The current healthscreening and temperature checking arrangements will continue forallattendees</li></ul>From MondayJuly20, the following amendments have beenapproved:<ul><li style='margin:0cm 0cm 0.0001pt'>Two owners per horse willbe permitted to attend for their race(s) only, subject topre-health screening and temperature checks onarrival</li><li style='margin:0cm 0cm 0.0001pt'>Racecourses will be allowedto nominate up to five attendees which could include sponsors,racecourse board/committee members, and social-distanced trophypresentation for feature race will bepermitted</li></ul>In line with current Government guidelines, maskswill continue to be mandatory for those working indoors or whenunable to socially distance at all times.   Saunas or showers will remain closed, with an expanded weigh roomspace continuing to be provided, and this will see a continuationof the current 2lb increase in weights across the board under bothcodes.   To facilitate the current health pre-screening system, 48-hourdeclarations will continue to operate.   Safety limits will remain at a general maximum of 18 per race, orless as required for safety/social distancing/stable capacityreasons, with the exception of key high value feature races. Therewill be a maximum of 20 for Premier Handicaps at the Curragh andnormal limits retained for the feature handicaps at Galway,including 20 for Hurdle and 22 for Plate. BrianKavanagh, Chief Executive of Horse Racing Ireland,said: “In tandem with the Government’s movement on theRoadmap for Reopening of Society and Business, we are announcing anumber of amendments to Horse Racing Ireland’s Covid-19protocols. “Since we resumed racing in Ireland on June 8, the level ofcare and compliance with the Covid-19 protocols has been excellentand is appreciated by the Covid-19 teams in Horse Racing Irelandand the IHRB. “While we’re announcing some easing of the restrictionstoday, it is very important that everybody continues to comply withthe rules on the racecourse around social distancing and facemasks, and the requirements around pre-health screening. “We are delighted to be able to confirm today that ownerswill be permitted to return to the racecourse on July 20, withcertain restrictions. Owners play a key role in Irish racing andtheir loyalty during this difficult period has been especiallynoteworthy, and from July 20 two owners per horse will be allowedto access the racecourse to see their horse run. “We are working with racecourses around providing safe,achievable catering options for key personnel working at theracecourse and aim to have a consistent offering from July20.”