Simon Coveney in bid to raise profile of harness races
The new association requested permission from Horse Racing Ireland to stage a number of harness racing fixtures at Dundalk racecourse — one in July, 2015; one in December, 2015; and three in January, 2016.
However, the response has not been positive, and Mr Coveney said his Department has written to Horse Racing Ireland to ask if it would be prepared to reconsider the request.
“I stress, however, that such decisions are ultimately matters for HRI and its board,”, said the Minister.
He said he has met a number of people interested in developing the sport of harness racing in Ireland to match the standard in other countries.
“It could be a big sport and industry in Ireland, if managed properly.”
Harness racing is a significant equestrian sport in countries such as France, Sweden, Italy and in North America.
However, it has been a minority interest sport in Ireland, with fixtures staged throughout the year at venues such as Portmarnock, Co Dublin; Inchydoney beach in Co Cork, and an all-weather facility at Annaghmore, Co Armagh.
“I understand the Irish Harness Racing Association is seeking to expand the sport in Ireland and believes it has significant potential for development to bring it more into line with the profile it enjoys elsewhere and for revenue generation which it would then seek to have reinvested in the sport,” said Mr Coveney.
He said the IHRA has applied for Ireland to become a full member of l’Union Européenne du Trot, UET, the umbrella organisation for harness racing organisations in 22 European countries. This would open the way for Irish competitors to compete in Europe.
The IHRA has also been considering the feasibility of running fixtures at venues of a higher quality; hence the approach to HRI.
“I will engage with the organisations concerned to see if we can make some progress“, said Mr Coveney in the Dáil recently, after Martin Ferris, TD, questioned the willingness of Horse Racing Ireland, which is publicly funded, to support development of harness racing.
Mr Coveney said he wants to move away from the image of harness racing as racing up and down the Cork to Mallow road, or on the beach.
“Although the beach can be a good venue, we need more structures and regulations, particularly on the welfare of animals.
“In many countries, harness racing is a significantly bigger sport than horse racing. There is an opportunity for us to build something, but we need to do it in the proper way and make sure the venues are right.
“Whether Dundalk race track is that venue needs further discussion. There is a commitment from me to try to have structures and regulations for this industry in order that we can deal with the welfare concerns many people have, and the bad image of harness racing in the minds of the public, which is unfair to the sport.
“We can do this if we work together.”
