Jessica Harrington: government support of Irish racing a huge relief

Jessica Harrington has described the Irish government's decision to back racing with a 14 per cent funding increase to €76.8 million in the 2021 budget as evidence of the state's faith in the industry.

In confirming the cash injection on Wednesday, Horse Racing Ireland's chief executive Brian Kavanagh indicated that the decision reflected the government's acknowledgement of the challenges posed by Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic. On Thursday, Harrington, whose clients cover a broad international base, welcomed the development.

“It was a huge relief and it's terrific news for racing,” she said of the funding boost. “The fact the government has faith in our industry and we can keep going during these tough times is a huge confidence booster and the budget allocated to racing shows that.”

Harrington added: “As an industry, we have come together during Covid-19 and we have carried on racing under the strictest of guidelines and that has not gone unnoticed by the government.”

Harrington: 'We have carried on racing under the strictest of guidelines and that has not gone unnoticed by the government.'Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Harrington has been busy trying to unearth future stars at the yearling sales over the past number of weeks, with Tattersalls yearling sales outperforming expectations this week. “This is a global industry and it is obviously extremely resilient," she reflected. "All you need to do is look at the sales results and you will see that. We were active at the sales this week and it was very encouraging to see the money around for horses. It's been amazing really.”

Without international investment, a large percentage of the best horses produced in Ireland would be exported, and Harrington highlighted racing’s ability to contribute to the economy during Covid-19 as another motivating factor for the extra support.

Harrington said: “The amount of foreign investment in Irish racing cannot be underestimated and my yard is a good example. I have owners from all over the world and without them I wouldn't be in business. This pandemic is global yet there are still people wanting to invest in Irish racing from all over the world.”

She added: “That keeps the sales going, the breeding going and racing going. It's a worldwide problem and the fact that racing has been able to keep going all across the world has been a huge benefit. We can continue to contribute to the economy in a safe way and I'm glad the Irish government realises this. It's a great relief.”

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