Irish Racecourses chief Paddy Walsh speaks of frustration at on-going crowd restrictions

Requests for “exceptional circumstances” have been put forward by HRI to the Government in relation to next month’s Harvest Festival at Listowel and Irish Champions Weekend at the Curragh and Leopardstown

The crowds during day one of the Goodwood Festival at Goodwood Racecourse, England. Photo: John Walton/PA

Paddy Walsh, chief executive officer of the Association of Irish Racecourses, has spoken of his members’ frustration as tracks continue to operate with only a limited crowd due to Covid-19 restrictions.

While British racecourses are returning to some kind of normality in terms of racegoers, restrictions still remain in Ireland that cap attendances at 500, with exemptions made to allow 1,000 spectators at the Irish Derby meeting plus the seven days of the Galway Festival.