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The RP describe Irish racing as a ‘welcome distraction.’ Maybe, in light of the emerging situation, data and evidence from other countries, it is not that welcome. Jockeys, for example, how are they distancing (milling round in close proximity at the start on Saturday’s tv action).
What do we think, if you were Irish would you be happy if your workplace was closing down but racing was continuing? Or is the fact that they have things in place to contain possible spread enough to justify continuing?
It is a welcome distraction but I cannot see it lasting much longer. No other European country is still racing and Ireland’s approach looks like an anachronism. I also find it difficult to believe that a large meeting like Punchestown can realistically take place behind closed doors.
Wouldn’t want to be in the weighing room if I was a jockey,
I’m guessing they still have valets in there too?
I’d be asking Blackmore to make room for meGaelic Warrior Gold Cup Winner 2026
I thought the jockeys were social distancing in the parade ring but obviously distancing yourself in a race with 16 runners is going to be difficult at the start and in the early stages.
Again with 16 runner fields distancing yourself in the weighing room may prove difficult.
Due to the industry been a fairly large part of the Irish economy (probably much larger than any European country) then the government there will want to carry on racing for as along as possible. I cannot see it happening beyond the Irish National though and maybe even shut down later this week (before Saturday’s Curragh fixture).
What I want to know is that as I do not have betting accounts and only bet in-shop can I claim 80% of my projected winnings from the government due to missing out on these? I picked two winners on Saturday at 3s and 20s.
- Total Posts 2553
Only time will tell if this was a good idea or not. So far so good though and fingers crossed it can continue; especially now when we are going to feel guilty for just leaving the house. us living alone are very glad for any small mercies.
Sad times
Running horses in a deserted racecourse is a gesture – grooms and trainers work and travel together, are more likely to meet others on the road than if they did not travel at all, and may be forced to meet vets or doctors at close contact if something happens. Obviously it also means greater activity behind the scenes (at the course and at home) than if racing stopped. On the news this evening they made a point of saying that it’s the only sport continuing – there seemed a hint of disapproval rather than admiration, I thought.
After the UK Prime Minister’s latest restrictions, which surely Mr Varadkar is likely to follow, HRI’s position is looking increasingly uncomfortable. The storm is coming, have no doubt, and I really think they need to pull this overly-optimistic project.
There’s a severe risk that racing may be seen to be self-obsessed and tone deaf to the public mood if the game goes on when people are dying en masse.
Mike
Racing is already viewed in some quarters as mercenary. Continuing to race in the midst of such a national/global crisis may add to that perception.
From what I gather from ITV racing is that Irish Racing is going ahead with only 1 meeting a day, and that has to be in the afternoon with at least 30 minutes between racing and no non essential personal allowed. Which means if jockeys are not needed for the race forth coming they sit it out in their cars.
However if the Irish Government does the same as Borice then that could stop as well. As gathering of two or more people are forbidden.
You've got to accentuate the positive.
Eliminate the negative.
Latch on to the affirmative.
Don't mess with mister in between.- Total Posts 2553
Rummy, it’s Boris, have a bit of respect for the twat
and two people is not a gathering.
Sorry about getting Boris’s name wrong. But on the second part, you’re wrong as you now can be fined for 2 people coming together who are not related. Police have been given the authority to disperse gathering of 2 or more people. I work in the retail business for a large supermarket, where people are still panic buying and the will still be lots of people gathering there, less than the advice 2 metres apart.
You've got to accentuate the positive.
Eliminate the negative.
Latch on to the affirmative.
Don't mess with mister in between.Fully expected the Irish racing to be abandoned tomorrow…I would love it to keep going but feel it will all be called off in a few days. It just doesn’t seem the right thing to be doing while the virus is spreading.
We have to adjust to a life we have never known before and I’ve followed horse racing since I was 7 years old, I’ll miss my friends at Newmarket more than anything this year but I also want to see them all again next year so I’m following the guidelines to hopefully make that happen..
JacThings turn out best for those who make the best of how things turn out...- Total Posts 2553
Hadn’t realised it was that strict, Rummy. So all the lads on the Betfair forum won’t be able to meet up with their pretendy girlfriends – that’s well cruel
- Total Posts 2553
To be serious – I’d be amazed if a boy and girl, not related but entwined, could be in any sort of trouble being seen out in public.
It might get worse as I overheard a customer talking about Ration Books, although it was just idle talk I wonder how long before such measures are brought in.
Must add though that if everyone acts sensible the enough food to go around.
You've got to accentuate the positive.
Eliminate the negative.
Latch on to the affirmative.
Don't mess with mister in between.Tank, the no wedding, christening or other party’s allowed. But funerals allowed, but family members only.
You've got to accentuate the positive.
Eliminate the negative.
Latch on to the affirmative.
Don't mess with mister in between.I’m very uncomfortable with racing continuing in Ireland, I dont think it should be.
The social distancing requirements that the rest of us are being asked to comply with to potentially save lives, are not being observed by the lad/lass leading the horse around when the jockey is on board. It’s probably impossible to maintain two meters separation under those circumstances.
Also think its very selfish of the Irish racing industry to continue, in the full knowledge that an injured jockey, stalls handler, groom, etc. may well need a hospital bed(s) for several weeks or months on any given day, given the unprecedented stress that is and will be placed on our health service in the coming weeks and months. We have half the ICU beds per head in Ireland compared to Italy.
I wonder how Davy or Robbie or Rachel will feel if the hospital bed they lay prone in after a bad fall at the races means others will die because there was no more hospital capacity available.
I really dont understand the mentality that allows them to continue. The commendable national effort going on here at the moment seemingly doesn’t apply to racing.
I love racing, I wish it was on every day, I miss it, I get the economic arguments for keeping it going and the desire to minimize job losses.
But you know what, we’re in an emergency here. My own industry is gone south (again), hundreds of thousands of us are in the same boat. Get in the queue.
Its a bubbles bubble these racing people live in.
Jac
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