The IHA`s proposed resumption of racing on April 14 is hanging on a knife-edge after confirmation of the first case of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in the Republic.
The FMD discovery on the Cooley Peninsula in Co. Louth comes within the exclusion zone set up after the outbreak of the disease just across the border at Meigh, Co. Armagh earlier this month. However it is a real kick in the teeth for all concerned in the racing community as not only does it bring the April 14 date under threat but also raises the prospect of further cases developing.
The Department of Agriculture will monitor the situation over the next few crucial days but given the `high risk` category which racing is placed in, a 30 day delay to the restart of our sport could be enforced. That would put the resumption date back to April 21.
The Festival meetings at Fairyhouse and Punchestown are obviously under threat, together with the classic trials on the Flat. Plans are certainly all up in the air as the shadow of FMD looms larger, and that much used phrase at present of `holding our collective breath` is ever more appropriate.
The Dubai World Cup meeting on Saturday was a great advert for International racing with horses from Japan, France, Dubai and the USA all successful on a card boasting a $15 million prize-fund.
Captain Steve took the feature event in good style for American`s Bob Baffert and Jerry Bailey but the small Irish challenge made little impression. The Dermot Weld-trained Pine Dance gained some expenses when sixth in the Group 3 mile race, where One Won One trailed home last of the 15 runners. The Rosewell House inmate Lethal Agenda finished in rear in the UAE Derby.
Hemingway, one of the winter favourites for the Sagitta 2,000 Guineas, is out of the Newmarket classic. The unbeaten Spectrum colt has reportedly been slow to come to hand following `a slight muscle problem behind`. The National Stakes winner Beckett and dual Group 1 victor Minardi head the remaining 12 strong challenge from Ballydoyle, although their participation is obviously dependent on the easing of FMD restrictions.
The speedy outcome of photo-finish decisions will be a welcome boost for punters and bookmakers alike whenever racing gets underway. The highly efficient British system is to be introduced to all Irish courses this year, and will eliminate frustrating delays.
[email protected]
