Covid rules 'make no sense' - Ruby Walsh calls for action on return of crowds

Ruby Walsh has insisted current Covid rules in Ireland "make no sense" as he and Henry de Bromhead echoed the pleas of Dermot Weld, Jessica Harrington and Noel Meade for a swift easing of restrictions on Irish racecourses.

There will be 40,000 people allowed into Croke Park for the All-Ireland football and hurling finals this month and Fianna Fail TD Jackie Cahill has argued it is not good enough that only 500 paying customers are allowed into race meetings under the current guidelines. Cahill has also said he is raising the issue with the relevant ministers.

Walsh and De Bromhead have aligned themselves with Weld, Harrington and Meade, who on Wednesday spoke of their fears about racing being left behind by other sports as long as the government leaves the sport in limbo.