The Turf Club have secured two extra places on the board of Irish racing`s new governing body, Horseracing Ireland.
That will bring the Turf Club`s representation to five, making it much the most substantial block on the new board which will now consist of 13 members.
The announcement was made yesterday evening by the Department of Agriculture in a statement which filled in the details of last week`s dramatic late agreement by the Turf Club with the Government over the new financing of racing.
The statement also stated: 'The Turf Club and the INHS Committee will be solely responsible for the drawing up and enforcement of the rules of racing, the licensing of all participants and the integrity of Irish racing. This will include all disciplinary matters and appeals.'
In return, however, the administration of racing provided by the Registry Office will come the authority of Horseracing Ireland. The Turf Club will maintain a supervisory role on these activities which include the accounts, financial control, registrations, publications, entries and declarations.
The Turf Club`s chief executive Brian Kavanagh commented: 'The proposals have to be approved by the members but if this structure works out then Irish racing will be the winner. The concerns that we expressed regarding the integrity of racing have been properly addressed.'
A Department of Agriculture spokesman said: 'Both the Minister for Agriculture and the Minister for Finance believe this will provide the basis for sustained development in the racing industry.'
The Turf Club will continue to administer the rules of racing on the racecourse and will retain responsibility for handicapping.
The income from the sale of media rights currently held by the Turf Club will be guaranteed for the first five years after the establishment of HRI. After that the average return for the first five years will be guaranteed for a further five-year period.
The Government will appoint the chairman of the new 13member board where groups such as trainers, owners, breeders, racecourses and bookmakers will have one representative each.
Yesterday`s announcement will allow legislation for the permanent funding of Irish racing from the off course betting tax to go ahead. Irish racing is expected to benefit by an extra £20 million next year.
