Racing should take comfort from government support - but don't forget the danger of unintended consequences

Having scooped an extra €3 million in funding for 2025 when last month's budget was revealed, Horse Racing Ireland really ought to be serenading the outgoing government as the sun sets on its tenure with a shimmering surplus.

HRI's coffers have swollen in line with inflation to the tune of €79.3m and it should be dancing a jig that, following Sinn Fein's implosion, the centre will hold when Ireland goes to the polls next month. However, it is worth observing just how unconscionable an act it seems to be for any government to cross the Rubicon of undermining the racing and breeding industries.

As commentators, many of us have often spoken of the perilous position racing has at times seemed to put itself in by dint of damaging and self-inflicted PR disasters: be that poor governance, inept regulation, doping scandals, welfare gaps largely due to the absence of a proper traceability system or even the misappropriation of funds.