Horse-breeding costs - Fairer tax regime is long overdue

IRELAND’S beleaguered taxpayers will shed no tears because wealthy horse-breeders are finally to lose their lucrative tax exemptions on stud fees.

In a land where golden circles flourished under successive governments, it took the EU to bring down the guillotine on this country’s tax-free haven for mega-rich bloodstock owners.

Fianna Fáil’s close affinity with the sport of kings is legendary and seen annually at the Galway races where the party royally entertains wealthy patrons during one of the most spectacular events of the racing calendar.