Public perception must not be an issue when it comes to racing's return - Moore

Legendary trainer Arthur Moore has made the case for Flat racing to resume as soon as possible in Ireland and believes public perception must not be an issue when it comes to the decision-making process.

Moore, who trained his first winner in 1979 and is best known for his handling of top-class National Hunt horses such as Native Upmanship and Klairon Davis, stressed that racing must return sooner rather than later to safeguard the industry.

He said: "The sooner we get going the better for everyone. There is a lot of foreign investment in racing in Ireland and it is vital that we make the right decision and not the weak one. Public perception must not be an issue when it comes to the resumption of racing."

Moore added: "As was referenced in the Racing Post recently, during the first world war the Jockey Club overruled the House of Commons, despite much opposition, for racing to continue because of its necessity as a proving ground for the horse with parts to play in the significant breeding industry.

"One hundred years on and the circumstances may be different but the sentiment is similar.

"The Pattern is extremely important and the running of the Classics underpins the whole industry. It is vitally important for the Flat to resume immediately for the good of the entire industry in Ireland."

'Get the first Classics run'

Moore made his case initially in an open letter printed in The Irish Times, where he referenced a "massive investment from abroad," before hinting at bewilderment from key stakeholders over the situation racing in Ireland finds itself in.

As it stands, racing in Ireland will not return until June 29, although Horse Racing Ireland is understood to be lobbying hard behind the scenes to bring that date forward, possibly to June 8.

Moore believes that for the sake of the industry, and to protect Ireland's status as a world leader in racing, it is imperative that racing's date for resumption is brought forward to enable the Classics to be run close to their usual slots in the programme.

He said: "John Gosden made a similar point that, if they can get going in the beginning of June in Britain, they can get the first Classics run and then roll on to Royal Ascot – the season is away."

Read more:

Blockbuster return of racing planned with Guineas scheduled for start of June

John Gosden: going racing will be safer than going to the supermarket

Keep up to date on the must-have news, tips, photos and more by following the Racing Post across all social channels