Tag Archives: Brian Kavanagh

Ireland increases racecourse crowd capacity

Ireland increases racecourse crowd capacity

Irish racecourses will be permitted to increase their outdoor capacity by “up to 50%” for upcoming meets from 6 September, as part of the government’s latest COVID-19 response roadmap.  Under the new guidelines, racecourses across Ireland will also be permitted to operate at 60% indoor capacity “for hospitality purposes” – however racegoers must be consuming food and beverages in addition …

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HRI permits Irish racecourses to increase capacity to 500

SBC News HRI permits Irish racecourses to increase capacity to 500

Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) has permitted race tracks across the country to allow crowds of up to 500 to attend fixtures, including racecourse members and general spectators. As reported by the Racing Post, the Irish horse racing authority has confirmed that it is ultimately the decision of individual racecourses to decide capacity limits, following the decision by the government to …

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HRI to commence CEO recruitment drive as Kavanagh steps down

SBC News HRI to commence CEO recruitment drive as Kavanagh steps down

Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) is looking for a new CEO as current incumbent Brian Kavanagh has announced he will be vacating the position in September this year. As CEO of the governing body responsible for horse racing in Ireland, Kavanagh oversaw several major milestones and challenges during his tenure, including the implementation of the country’s updated betting tax framework, closely …

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Exemptions could be made for racing if Ireland re-enters lockdown

SBC News Exemptions could be made for racing if Ireland re-enters lockdown

As Ireland mulls over whether to impose further lockdown measures, a letter published by the chief medical officer of the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) has suggested that Irish racing could be exempt from a level 5 shutdown. In a letter to the Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, NPHET CMO Dr Tony Holohan made a specific reference to racing being …

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UK Tote secures agreement with HRI and Tote Ireland

SBC News UK Tote secures agreement with HRI and Tote Ireland

Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) has secured a new seven-year alliance with Tote Ireland and the UK Tote Group which will ensure the continuity of Tote on-course service on Irish racecourses. From 1 January 1 2021, UK Tote Group will operate Tote Ireland’s off-course business, allowing Tote Ireland to build a stronger and more agile on-course presence in Ireland. Nicky Hartery, …

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HRI gives racing the green light to take place behind closed doors

SBC News HRI gives racing the green light to take place behind closed doors

Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) has confirmed that race meetings will go ahead, but will be ‘held in strict adherence to Government guidelines regarding COVID-19’.  The decision, which is reported to be motivated by employment and incomes for those across the sector, will see all fixtures staged without spectators.  Nicky Hartery, Chairman of Horse Racing Ireland, said: “These are unprecedented and sombre …

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