Enniscorthy getting ready for racing resumption

THE IRISH Greyhound Board has welcomed the decision of government to permit greyhound racing behind closed doors as part of the second phase of the roadmap for re-opening society and business.

The I.G.B. has arranged a comprehensive schedule of greyhound trials that commenced yesterday (Monday), at all 14 tracks – including Enniscorthy – with the intention of returning to racing behind closed doors early in the week commencing June 15.

Frank Nyhan, Chairman of the Irish Greyhound Board, stated ‘we very much welcome the government decision today which allows the greyhound industry to make the necessary arrangements for the resumption of greyhound racing.

‘This is critical for the wider industry and to support jobs across our stadia network, greyhound owners, breeders, trainers and a wide range of support services.

‘The loss of racing for the twelve-week period has impacted on the greyhound industry, similar to all other industries during this difficult period.

‘We will continue to put public health considerations at the forefront of our activities, and very detailed protocols and response plans have been prepared by the I.G.B. for operating in the current environment.

‘The preparation of our stadia and tracks has been completed to facilitate a resumption of greyhound racing in line with Covid-19 protocols.

‘I would like to acknowledge the support of Minister Creed and his officials at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in what has been a difficult period for all associated with the greyhound industry.’

During the suspension of activity, the I.G.B. put in place a Covid-19 greyhound care payment scheme which provided a subsistence payment in respect of 6,647 greyhounds to ensure that the care and welfare needs of racing greyhounds were fully addressed.

Expenditure on the scheme will be of the order of €1.3m.

The I.G.B. is looking forward to working with the greyhound community in the coming weeks to ensure the wellbeing of all those attending at its greyhound tracks.

A detailed racing schedule behind closed doors will be published by the I.G.B. in the coming days.

In relation to trials, owners and trainers are asked to ensure that the minimum of trial accessories are brought to the stadium.

A racing sheet and muzzle must be brought and will not be provided, while payment of any fees will be by cashless means.

The following list should not be exceeded: One collar and lead per greyhound;

One racing muzzle and racing sheet per greyhound;

One walking out cover. In the event this is not required, you are requested to leave it in your vehicle; One pan per greyhound;

One container of water/electrolyte solution per greyhound. If you would rather administer post-trial fluids to your greyhound in your vehicle after racing, then the water/electrolyte solution should be left in the vehicle with the greyhound’s pan; Petroleum jelly, but only if required. Please comply with the guidance and advisory instructions to ensure trails are conducted in a safe and prompt manner.

The co-operation of all in ensuring the safety of owners, trainers and staff is appreciated.

The remaining Enniscorthy trial dates are – Tuesday, June 9: 1 to 3 p.m., 3 to 4 p.m. (Novices); 4 to 5 p.m.; 6.30 to 8.30 p.m.; Wednesday, June 10: 1 to 5 p.m.; 6.30 to 7.30 p.m. (Novices); 7 to 8.30 p.m.

Contact jim.enniscorthytrack@gmail.com or 087-9708823 for further details.