Irish authorities release educational videos on behind-closed-doors protocols

Horse Racing Ireland and the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board have released a series of educational videos outlining protocols and procedures for racing's return behind closed doors on June 8.

The short clips feature medical and practical advice from IHRB senior medical officer Jennifer Pugh, along with Paul Murtagh, registrar of the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee, highlighting raceday procedures for stable staff, trainers and jockeys.

HRI racing services manager Pat Brennan provides details of the necessary etiquette for stalls handlers, while racing operations manager Sharleen O'Reilly explains the health screening procedures.

Videos on Covid-19 protocols for behind-closed-doors racing can be found here

Education and training coordinator Elaine Burke also provides insight into the Industry Assistance Programme, which is available to those working in the sport.

In an introduction to the series, Pugh said: "We've been given the green light to go ahead by government, but only with the commitment that we will strictly adhere and comply with everything that we've outlined in the protocols document. There's a huge pressure on us to get this right.

"That will take buy-in from everybody that has to be here on the day. From the racecourse staff, to the vets, to the doctors, to our media colleagues, trainers, stable staff and jockeys.

"Everyone has a role to play and we need everyone to commit one hundred per cent to the protocols and to make sure you understand your role on the day."

She added: "There are a lot of people who have been sacrificed that can't come racing, the over 70s, the owners and the wider racing public, and we owe it to them to get this right, as well as owing it to government, the Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture, who have supported our return.

"Our return is only on the back of strong protocols that we need to adhere to. We're the only sport coming back in phase two and the only industry who have been allowed to jump ahead a phase on the government's roadmap.

"We have to respect and honour that and acknowledge the responsibility that is on us to get this right."

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