Irish trainers' chief hits out over 'ludicrous' hike in licence renewal fees

A move to increase trainers' licence fees by as much as 350 per cent in some cases has been branded "ludicrous" by Irish Racehorse Trainers Association chief executive Michael Grassick.

The news follows details of a similar tiered system proposed for jockeys being revealed last month and the IRTA is eager to discuss the development with the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board.

According to a letter obtained by the Racing Post, the IHRB is proposing an increase of 350 per cent to €2,000 for trainers who had 301 runners or more in their previous year. That rise is the top tier in a six-level structure that will see those who had ten runners or fewer in the previous 12 months and restricted trainers incur a ten per cent hike to €495.