Irish racecourses chief admits return of crowds unlikely in first half of 2021

On a day when English racecourses were provided with a ray of hope after it was announced that up to 4,000 racegoers would be able to return to the track as early as next week, their Irish counterparts were resigning themselves to the prospect of no paying attendees for the first half of 2021.

Paddy Walsh, chief executive of the Association of Irish Racecourses, said no track was in immediate danger of closure but stressed the current model of operating behind closed doors was unsustainable.

“We're having a hard time of it, the same as everyone else," he told the Racing Post on Monday. "Racing behind closed doors is not sustainable in the long term. Racecourses are eating into their reserves trying to keep to show on the road and trying to keep people in employment.