In line with An
Taoiseach’s announcement last Friday regarding the phasing of the Roadmap for
Reopening of Society and Business, the Board of Horse Racing Ireland has approved
a number of amendments to the HRI Covid-19 Protocols, all of which are
consistent with Government guidelines.
From WednesdayJuly 1 a number of amendments to the Resumption of Racing protocols will come
into effect.
- The prohibition on attendance of
those aged over 70 in the various attendee categories which are permitted under
the Protocols – trainers, stewards, vets etc. – will be removed
- The current limit of no more than
three journalists and three photographers will be increased to a maximum of
five
- One representative of Associations
whose attendees are permitted to be at race meetings will be allowed.
- Premier Handicaps in Ireland to be
opened to international runners in addition to all Black Type races under both
codes
- The current health screening and
temperature checking arrangements will continue for all attendees
From MondayJuly 20, the
following amendments have been approved:
- Two owners per horse will be
permitted to attend for their race(s) only, subject to pre-health screening and
temperature checks on arrival
- Racecourses will be allowed to
nominate up to five attendees which could include sponsors, racecourse
board/committee members, and social-distanced trophy presentation for feature
race will be permitted
In line with current Government guidelines, masks
will continue to be mandatory for those working indoors or when unable to
socially distance at all times.
Saunas or showers will remain closed, with an
expanded weigh room space continuing to be provided, and this will see a
continuation of the current 2lb increase in weights across the board under both
codes.
To facilitate the current health pre-screening
system, 48-hour declarations will continue to operate.
Safety limits will remain at a
general maximum of 18 per race, or less as required for safety/social
distancing/stable capacity reasons, with the exception of key high value
feature races. There will be a maximum of 20 for Premier Handicaps at the
Curragh and normal limits retained for the feature handicaps at Galway,
including 20 for Hurdle and 22 for Plate.
Brian
Kavanagh, Chief Executive of Horse Racing Ireland, said:
“In tandem with the Government’s
movement on the Roadmap for Reopening of Society and
Business, we are announcing a number of amendments to
Horse Racing Ireland’s Covid-19 protocols.
“Since we resumed racing in
Ireland on June 8, the level of care and compliance with the Covid-19 protocols
has been excellent and is appreciated by the Covid-19 teams in Horse Racing
Ireland and the IHRB.
“While we’re announcing some
easing of the restrictions today, it is very important that everybody continues
to comply with the rules on the racecourse around social distancing and face
masks, and the requirements around pre-health screening.
“We are delighted to be able to
confirm today that owners will be permitted to return to the racecourse on July
20, with certain restrictions. Owners play a key role in Irish racing and their
loyalty during this difficult period has been especially noteworthy, and from
July 20 two owners per horse will be allowed to access the racecourse to see
their horse run.
“We
are working with racecourses around providing safe, achievable catering options
for key personnel working at the racecourse and aim to have a consistent
offering from July 20.”