The introduction of the new body to run Irish racing - Horse Racing Ireland - continues to be delayed with the Turf Club still opposed to the Government`s proposals.
The Turf Club is understandably concerned with losing its powers under the new body, while the majority of the industry is losing its patience with the hold-up. The Minister for Finance, Charlie McCreevy, has already pledged an increase in the Government`s annual funding of racing from #18 million to #40 million, with an 80/20 divide between horse and greyhound racing, if the main racing bodies agree to the establishment of Horse Racing Ireland.
The Turf Club`s alternative plan surprisingly excludes breeders, trainers and stable staff from a new board.
The Association of Irish Racecourses are worried about losing valuable media rights in a new body, and a split appears to be developing among their ranks as a number of courses have publicly come out in support of the Government`s proposals.
The Tramore Festivalwas the main event on a busy week of action. The south-eastern seaside track has made a spectacular recovery from threatened closure in the past two years, and the four-day meeting was a great success in `99. The figures this year were a shade disappointing in comparison, although there was still a very lively atmosphere. The Tote aggregate for the four days was #290,756, down nearly #50,000 on the `99 total. An estimated 22,500 patrons came through the gates over the week, and Ladies Day (Tuesday) was the highlight with 7,500.
Limerick punters will have to wait a bit longer for the opening of the new track at Greenmount. An inspection of the course this week found it would not be raceable for the Munster National meeting on October 15, and this date will stay at Cork. The two-day Christmas fixture is also in doubt, with a further inspection by Turf Club officials taking place in two months time.
The annual Australia v Ireland jump jockeys series ended at Moonee Valley on Saturday, with victory going to the home side by 39 and a half points to 34. The Irish did have the compensation of winning the final race, with Shane McCann successful aboard Corker`s Boy in the Waterford Crystal Chase. Joe Casey also partnered a winner at Flemington last Sunday, while Philip Carberry and Barry Cash also picked up points for the team. The Aussies will travel over here in November for a return series that encompasses Tramore, Clonmel, Downpatrick and Thurles.
A number of the top three-year-old colts in Ireland will soon be exported abroad. Grand Finale, the only horse to have beaten dual Derby winner Sinndar, will continue his career in the USA following a Listed success at Leopardstown last Sunday. The Aidan O`Brien-trained pair, Aristotle and Glyndebourne, have both been sold to the far east. Aristotle, winner of the Racing Post Trophy last year, heads for Singapore, while Budweiser Irish Derby runner-up Glyndebourne will race in Hong Kong. Ciro was addedtothelist of exports from Ballydoyle after gaining a Grade 1 win in the Secretariat Stakes at Arlington Park on Saturday.
John Murtagh continued his run of big race successes when partnering a Group race double at the Curragh on Sunday. Takali dug deep in the final furlong to take the Group 2 Royal Whip Stakes, while Golden Silca quickened clear in the closing stages to land the Group 3 Desmond Stakes. However the dual Derby winning rider faces a two day spell on the sidelines after being found guilty of careless riding on the latter when edging left onto 3 1/2 length runner-up Duck Row two furlongs out.
