HRI reveals 48-hour declarations will remain permanent in Irish racing

Horse Racing Ireland has announced that 48-hour declarations will remain a permanent fixture in Irish racing, with the governing body's director of racing Jason Morris citing "many positive reasons" for the significant decision.

An extra day between declarations and race time was introduced to facilitate health screening procedures when racing returned last year, a move that Irish Racehorse Trainers Association (IRTA) chief executive Michael Grassick was eager to see reversed to cut entry costs for owners and make declaring decisions easier for trainers.

However, key bodies such as the Irish Jockeys Association and Association of Irish Racehorse Owners (AIRO) voiced support for keeping the two-day period, hailing the benefits of riders having more time to make their required weights and owners being more flexible in planning around their runners.

Irish owners' group gives its support for 48-hour declarations to remain

After a HRI board meeting on Monday, the decision was made to keep the current 48-hour declaration protocols, although discussions are set to take place with the IRTA and AIRO on how to rectify any potential problems with entries.

Michael Grassick: 'We're all trying to achieve the same thing'Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"The HRI board accepted that there were many positive reasons for retaining 48-day declarations on a permanent basis," said Morris.

"Significant commercial, marketing and operational benefits have been identified including the promotion of our sport by media and the betting industry.

"48-hour declarations are considered essential by our media rights partners when it comes to maximising our income streams from international markets, thereby driving revenues for racecourses as well as increasing the exposure of our horses for export purposes.

"Their permanent retention had support from associations representing racecourses, owners and stable staff, all of whom identified the positive benefits of being able to plan further ahead."

Jason Morris: 'While there has been an anticipated increase in non-runners, the overall effect has not been significant'Credit: Patrick McCann

Morris added: "We acknowledge the concerns of the trainers and owners associations around the timetable for making entries and we will explore with the IRTA and AIRO whether beneficial changes can be made to the current entry schedule.

"While there has been an anticipated increase in non-runners, the overall effect has not been significant as our reserve system allows for replacements."

Speaking to the Racing Post after confirmation that 48-hour declarations were here to stay, Grassick said: "It's positive to have that dialogue and I look forward to it. We're all trying to achieve the same thing."

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