Off to the Races

[thegeneral]

I don't know if many heard yesterday but HRI, that's the controlling body for hore-racing here, approved the setting up of Ireland's first ever all-weather and floodlit racecourse yesterday.

The site chosen is the existing Dundalk racecourse where Dundalk greyhound stadium recently re-located to. This will also mean that horse and greyhound racing will take place in the one venue for also the first time. Since the relocation that greyhound stadium has been making the highest revenue in the country, second only to Shelbourne Park, and while the old racecourse did lose money the boom for the greyhounds was likely a contributory factor in HRI's decision.

It's about time this country had an all-weather track and the location in Dundalk is also strategic from a infrastructural viewpoint.

[JCSkinner]

I'm very keen to find out more about this hore racing of which you speak!

[CJH]

It´s a good move for the racing industry, which is one of our country´s greatest sports. But, speaking from personal exeperience, I would be worried what this development, and the general move in racing to night meetings, will mean for the lower paid members of the industry. Specifically, I am thinking of those working in the bookmaking sector, whom over the last five years or so have been forced to work longer and lnger hours, with little or no chance of discussion with management. Also, I believe that the conditions and pay of stable boys are nothing short of disgraceful. It is good for the country that the racing industry expands and grows, but the working conditions of those at the bottom rung of the industry, who fail to see any of the huge profits that are created, has to be addressed more seriously.