HRI chief accuses IBA of reckless behaviour

THE Irish Bookmakers’ Association has been accused of “behaving recklessly” after it emerged its allegations of financial irresponsibility against Horse Racing Ireland were based on a report that according to its authors, was not an appropriate foundation for such claims.

Risk management partner of accountancy firm KPMG, Conall O’Halloran, has revealed in a letter to HRI chairman Denis Brosnan and IBA chairperson Sharon Byrne, that the company’s work, commissioned by the IBA, was not a “forensic assessment” of the HRI’s finances as the IBA had claimed and thus should not have been used to draw any conclusions.

In what amounts to a public censure to the IBA which is sure to cause huge embarrassment, the bookies’ association has been told that it is to “cease and desist” from using the report to make its allegations.