Owners to return to Irish racecourses from Monday

Gowran Park and Listowel will see owners in attendance for first time since September.

Pa Sport Reporters
Wednesday 02 June 2021 16:25 BST
Gowran Park is one of two racecourses in Ireland to welcome back owners on Monday
Gowran Park is one of two racecourses in Ireland to welcome back owners on Monday (PA Archive)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Owners are to make a welcome return to Irish racecourses on Monday following last week’s announcement by the Irish Government that up to 200 people can attend outdoor events from June 7.

Gowran Park and Listowel will open their gates to two owners per runner for what will be the first time since September that they will be allowed back on Irish racecourses.

Designated areas for owners to meet their trainers and jockeys have been established on each track, while winning owners will be permitted to enter the parade ring after a race to greet their horse.

Brian Kavanagh, chief executive of Horse Racing Ireland, said: “We have said all along that getting owners back on the racecourse has been a priority and it is great that it is happening from Bank Holiday Monday at Gowran Park and Listowel.

“Owners have stood by the industry during a very difficult period and their return on track paves the way for greater opening up of race meetings to racing fans in the coming months. Horse Racing Ireland’s Ownership team will be in contact with all owners in advance of Monday with full details.

“Obviously, the overall experience for the time being will be an outdoor one, and to ensure that everybody can stay safe, there will be a number of requirements for owners, including registration in advance and arrival through the Health Screening Check-In Area.”

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in