Dundalk to stage first barrier trials in Ireland next month

Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, with the support of Horse Racing Ireland and the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board, is coordinating the introduction of barrier trials to Ireland, starting at Dundalk from next month.

The first trials will take place on May 2, when two batches of six horses will trial before racing at Dundalk. The next date is set for May 6 at the same venue under the same format.

Barrier trials are mock races with horses beginning from starting stalls as they would in official races. Restricted to unraced two and three-year-olds, those participating must have a starting stalls certificate, be in the care of a fully licensed trainer and be ridden by licensed jockeys. The cost will be €100, payable to Dundalk racecourse, as is the case for schooling races.

The trials will be recorded, timed and available to view on ITM’s website and social media channels. Entries for trials can be made through the ITM website, or by emailing barriertrials@itm.ie. Alternatively, trainers can call 087 112 1625.

Course changes at Salisbury and Bath

The BHA has announced a number of changes to upcoming fixtures at Salisbury and Bath.

This is due to a section of the round course at Bath and the seven-furlong start at Salisbury not having sufficient time to recover from the prolonged spell of wet weather.

Richard Russell, race planning executive at the BHA, said: "Parts of the track at both Salisbury and Bath are currently unraceable, so we have had to do some moving around to ensure a full day’s racing at both venues.

"Salisbury has been able to accommodate some of the races we’ve lost at Bath and we will continue to be in close communication with both tracks to see how the concerned areas are progressing."

Owners and trainers can find details of the changes on www2.racingadmin.co.uk.