Low-flying drone raises hackles at Killarney Races

BIZARRE INCIDENT COULD SET PRECEDENT BANNING DRONES AT ALL RACE MEETINGS

A DRONE struck a horse minutes before a race at Killarney Racecourse last Tuesday evening in a bizarre incident described by the horse’s trainer as ‘potentially life-threatening’.

The Irish Turf Club confirmed it is investigating the incident in which a tourist flew a drone over the parade ring as horses were being led around before the 8.20pm race.

“I couldn’t understand why the horse was going absolutely berserk in the parade ring as I led it around when suddenly I heard my wife calling from the centre of the ring to say the drone was over our heads. It then came down on the horse. I was livid as this incident could have killed someone,” Mr Wilson said.

The tourist was ordered to leave the racecourse by Turf Club stewards.

“A SERIOUS incident that could have killed someone” is how Armagh horse trainer Keith Wilson described the moment a drone struck his horse minutes before a race in Killarney Racecourse last Tuesday evening.

The Irish Turf Club said it is the first time such an incident has happened at an Irish racetrack and the man responsible was an American tourist who had been operating the drone from the far side of the racetrack. Unknown to Mr Wilson at the time, the drone hovered overhead when suddenly the horse became more agitated. The drone then swooped, making contact with the horse.

“I couldn’t understand why the horse was going absolutely berserk in the parade ring as I led it around when suddenly I heard my wife calling from the centre of the ring to say the drone was over our heads. It then came down on the horse. I was livid as this incident could have killed someone,” Mr Wilson told The Kerryman.

The culprit was then approached by the stewards and told drones were prohibited. The man was then asked to leave the course. Mr Wilson stated he had nothing against Killarney Racecourse saying they handled their side of things well. But he added that he felt gardaí should have been notified.

“I’m really mad at Turf Club officials for letting the man go, drone and all. They didn’t get the man’s name and if my horse had a got loose and caused damage it would have been my insurance that would be responsible,” Mr Wilson added.

Killarney Racecourse Manager Michaél Lucid confirmed that an incident involving a drone did occur at Killarney Racecourse.

“It would appear from preliminary investigations that the drone was under the control of a tourist who was unaware of the gravity of their actions. Furthermore, the person involved appeared unaware of the restrictions imposed by the Irish Aviation Authority on the use of drones in public places,” said Mr Lucid.

He added the matter could have been more serious but luckily was not, while he also said the incident highlighted a need for the industry to formulate policies and information campaigns to deal with such incidents in the future.

Cliff Noone of the Turf Club also confirmed the man wasn’t aware he could not use a drone and “regrettably the stipendiary stewards did not get his name.”

“This never happened before on an Irish racecourse which is why we need to investigate it. It’s now being mooted that racecourse managers will have to put up notices at the entrance stating drones are not prohibited. This is not in place at the moment, but could very well be shortly,” said Mr Noone.

Meanwhile, Killarney Race Company is working towards adding a fifth day of racing to its flagship July Festival following one of the most successful ever four-day July meetings. Optimism is now ripe for a fifth day and this view is confirmed by the fact huge crowds attended over all four days with course records confirming the ‘Dawn Milk Ladies Day’ was the second best ever in terms of attendance.

Race Company Chairman, Gerard Coughlan also expressed his gratitude to all those who provided assistance following the fall of jockey Ana O’Brien on the second day of the meeting adding his delight that Ana is now making a great recovery.

“Our deepest and sincere thanks to Dr McGolderick, the local Order of Malta, medical personnel, vets, Clerk of the Course Val O’Connell and all the other stewards and Turf Club officials for their help,” said Mr Coughlan.