Dundalk, Ireland – The Irish Harness Racing Association are pleased to announce that further to cross party political support and the intervention of the Minister for Agriculture Mr. Simon Coveney we have reached agreement with Horse Racing Ireland and the Board of Dundalk Stadium for a trial Harness Racing meeting to be conducted on Sunday 27th September.
This is a strategically important development for harness racing and the success or otherwise of this venture will ultimately decide the future direction for our sport. This is our opportunity to showcase harness racing in a truly fitting environment to the wider public and to our Political representatives who hold the keys and the purse strings for the much needed funding to grow and develop harness racing in Ireland in line with our worldwide counterparts.
Mr Jacques Chartier General Secretary of UET visited Dundalk Stadium on his recent trip to Ireland and classified the facility as amongst the finest in Europe, he conducted a television interview from the stadium which has recently been broadcast on the French racing channel Equidia.
There will be a wide selection of specially invited guest in attendance at Dundalk from across the political spectrum, Horse Racing Ireland, Horse Sport Ireland, Le Trot and the UET.
This meeting will be for both Trotters and Pacers, the finer details have yet to be agreed and your support is vital either as a competitor or a spectator.
The meeting will be conducted under the strict supervision of the Turf Club Veterinary officials who will check and monitor all horses in attendance for the standard equine flu vaccination requirements, health and fitness to compete. No horses will be allowed enter the premises without being in possession of their passport and all horses will be microchip scanned before entering the stable yard.
Owners and trainers are advised to pay particular attention to the flu vac regime in their horse’s passport, no flu vac can expire and no vaccination update can be given within 7 days of a race meeting. All horses must be in their correct ownership and proof of same will be required by the veterinary officials on race day, failure to meet these basic requirements will result in exclusion at the point of race entry.
From the Irish Harness Racing Association