Irish racing on the brink: extended restrictions could tip us over the edge

Since the world began caving in around us in March, at different removes I have been compelled to describe the unfolding commercial chaos as like watching a slow-motion car crash.

Tuesday’s revelation by the Taoiseach Micheal Martin that crowds are likely to be limited to a maximum of 500 for the next six months puts us on the brink of a calamity for the Irish racing industry that could make for X-rated viewing. The chances of any paying customers being catered for seems almost negligible.

We appreciate the public health agenda that underpins national policy, but reserve the right to disagree that the correct balance is being struck between that imperative and the need to sustain a viable economy and a society that can function in such a way as to allow its citizens to retain a certain quality of life and the liberty to pursue their livelihoods.