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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The content of a BBC Panorama investigation has prompted the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) to call an ‘urgent’ meeting with the independently-chaired Horse Welfare Board, along with other industry leaders. Furthermore, the BHA will also contact colleagues at Horse Racing Ireland after the Monday night Panorama programme, entitled ‘The Dark Side of Horse Racing’, broadcast covert footage filmed inside one …
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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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Under new guidance from the Irish government, crowds at Irish racecourses are due to be limited to a maximum of 500 people for the next six months. The guidance, according to Horse Racing Ireland chief executive Brian Kavanagh, is a ‘real concern’ for both the sport and Irish tracks – many of which have suffered as a result of the …
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The Irish government has given the green light for horse racing to resume behind closed doors, with fixtures able to resume from 8 June. In accordance with government guidelines, only key personnel necessary to run the fixture will be permitted to be on-site, and will be subject to a health survey and thermal temperature screening on entry. Brian Kavanagh, Chief …
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Horse racing across Ireland came to a halt last night following new restrictions imposed by the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, which has seen all sporting events cancelled until 19 April at the earliest due to COVID-19. Irish racing has been taking place without spectators since 13 March, and was subject to strict controls. The restrictions meant that race meetings were closed …
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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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In line with the Irish government’s social-isolation policy due to COVID-19, independent bookmaker BoyleSports has confirmed that it will be closing its entire retail estate across the Republic of Ireland. The closure, which will impact 278 retail shops, will come into effect from 8pm on 18 March, and will remain in effect until after 29 March, at the earliest. Conor …
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As the COVID-19 outbreak has continued to disrupt the sporting world, the racing industry has ramped up preparations for the sport to be held behind closed doors. Taking place later today, the sport’s tripartite leadership, including racecourses, participants and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), will discuss an approach recommended by the industry’s COVID-19 Steering Group. In a statement, the BHA …
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Online sports betting operator MansionBet has announced the expansion of its current horse racing sponsorships into Ireland for 2020 with Horse Racing Ireland (HRI). As a result of the deal, the Gibraltar-based operator is now set to sponsor over 60 events throughout the UK & Ireland, including Doncaster, Newmarket, Newbury, Cork, Naas and Fairyhouse. Dana Bocker, Head of Integrated Marketing at Mansion, …
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