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

The Association of Irish Racehorse Owners insists it is supportive of retaining 48-hour declarations and has formally expressed that sentiment to Horse Racing Ireland.

On Monday, the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association chief executive Michael Grassick cited increased costs to owners as a result of having to make more entries as one of the reasons his association was pushing for a return to 24-hour declarations.

HRI is set to discuss its position on keeping or removing the measure, which was first introduced to facilitate health screening when racing resumed in June of last year, at a board meeting next Monday.