Paddy Walsh, chief executive officer of the Association of Irish Racecourses, has said his “members are frustrated” as tracks continue to be restricted to very limited crowds.
While British racecourses are back at full capacity and other sports and sectors in Ireland are seeing restrictions eased, Irish racecourses remain limited to 500 patrons, with exceptions made to allow 1,000 at the Irish Derby meeting and the Galway Festival.
Horse Racing Ireland is seeking exceptions to allow larger crowds at next month's Harvest Festival at Listowel and Irish Champions Weekend, and has also submitted a request to Irish government to further ease restrictions at racecourses and increase attendance.
“Although we appreciate that navigating the reopening of society and easing of restrictions is an onerous task, our members are frustrated,” Walsh said. “They have done everything that has been asked of them, facilities have been turned inside out to ensure that protocols and guidelines have been meticulously adhered to at tracks nationwide. While the association fully respects public health, restrictions have eased considerably in other sectors and sports and we would like to see more progress in this regard for our members and the wider horse racing industry.”
A press release from AIR further added: “Close consultation will continue over the coming weeks with all parties committed to playing their role in supporting the industry's best efforts to encourage the easing of restrictions all the while protecting the continuity of racing and overall public health.”
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