Racing continues in Ireland as industry counts cost of coronavirus

Horses on the gallops at Middleham - an estimated 14,000 racehorses still need to be cared for despite coronavirus.

However, the Board of Horse Racing Ireland agreed to a number of strict new criteria after reviewing the five meetings that have taken place without spectators since last Friday.

This includes a maximum of one meeting per day to reduce the burden on the emergency services, no owners permitted to attend fixtures and no overseas runners allowed to take part. With all racecourse saunas also to be closed, all jockeys will be able to claim an additional 2lb in weight.

HRI chair Nicky Hartery said: “We have made it clear at all times that our medical facilities and personnel will be available for the Government to use if necessary – that will take precedence above any other consideration.”

The decision will surprise many in racing after Ireland’s move to restrict access preceded the decision of the British Horseracing Authority to do likewise on Monday and Tuesday before cancelling all fixtures until the end of April.

Industry leaders here held crisis talks yesterday to see how best to safeguard the jobs of 17,000 people employed in racing – the sport contributes an estimated £4bn a year to the wider economy.

They are trying to establish how employers and businesses can access financial assistance from the Government rescue package set out by Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

They are also considering the issues affecting self-employed workers in the industry, including jockeys.

Group One-winning jockey Paul Mulrennan.

Trainers are facing the immediate challenge of maintaining daily care and exercise for an estimated 14,000 racehorses.

They still face daily bills for a range of services, including veterinary care, feed supplies and the salaries of an estimated 6,500 grooms dedicated to the care of racehorses.

And Group One-winning Flat jockey Paul Mulrennan – a dual winner of York’s Nunthorpe Stakes on sprinter Mecca’s Angel – said the whole sport will have to pull together.

Mulrennan, who lives in Boroughbridge, warned: “It’s tough going for everyone, not just the racing industry – it’s a big shock. You don’t know what is around the corner – it’s quite scary really. One thing racing does well is look after its own – we have to look after everybody and help each other.”