NEW BEGINNING Irish racing resumption now brought forward to June 8

IRISH racing will resume on Monday, June 8, after almost 11 weeks of inactivity.

Originally scheduled to be part of Phase 3 of the Government’s plan to re-start on June 29, the industry will now benefit from being moved forward into Phase 2, a decision made after a cabinet meeting yesterday

The news of the behind closed doors return was welcomed by Horse Racing Ireland Chief Executive Brian Kavanagh (inset).

He said: “We are grateful to be one of the sectors permitted to get back to work and acknowledge the responsibility on racing to ensure the events are run in a safe way.”

Tomorrow, HRI will announce a revised fixture list for the month of June, including confirmation on when the Irish classics will be run.

Kavanagh added: “While race fixtures will return on June 8, they will be very different.”

Among the new protocols, which will be published today, are:

key personnel will be permitted to attend race fixtures. attendees will be subject to health screening I advance and thermal temperature screening on arrival – anyone presenting with elevated temperatures will be denied access and instructed to consult with their GP.

MANDATORY wearing of face coverings for jockeys, stalls handlers, medical professionals, security staff and those working indoors.

ldistancing will be strictly enforced by a dedicated Covid-19 protocol officer at each venue.

(FRANCE)