Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2005
78 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if, in regard to his statement issued on 24 April 2005 in which he expressed concern at the controversy regarding the outcome of a race at Cork racecourse and the possibility that such incidents may hinder the positive promotion of Irish horseracing at home and abroad, he intends to take any further action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15013/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland, HRI, was established as the statutory body with responsibility for the horseracing industry under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001.
HRI provides annual funding to the Turf Club which is the independent body responsible for enforcing the rules of racing and maintaining the integrity of the sport. The incident at Cork represents an isolated case out of close to 3,000 races run in Ireland each year, including point to points.
The incident was dealt with on the day with a suspension for the horse involved for 60 race days and a further suspension for the jockey of 50 race days coupled with a fine of €2,000. In the case of the jockey's suspension, this was the maximum penalty which could be imposed on him under the rules.
I understand that the suspension of the horse is now the subject of an appeal and I wish to refrain from making any further specific comment. The rider has chosen not to appeal his penalties.
I have made my views on the matter known to HRI and the Turf Club and have every confidence in their ability to ensure that incidents such as that witnessed in Cork remain as the exception to an otherwise highly regarded sport.
While the success of Irish trained national hunt horses this year with an unprecedented nine winners at Cheltenham and eight at Aintree backed up by numerous other big race wins reflects very positively on the Government's confidence and investment in horse racing as a high quality, disciplined sport for participant and spectator alike, nevertheless, incidents such as the one witnessed at Cork recently and which thankfully are sporadic can hinder the positive promotion of Irish horseracing both at home and abroad.
