A new limited company has been created to handle Irish racing's integrity affairs, the Irish Field reports. The Turf Club and the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee have created the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board to regulate flat, National Hunt and point-to-point racing. Regulation had previously been carried out by The Turf Club and the INHSC, both private companies, and the creation of a limited company to handle regulation closes a loophole that could see legal action brought by those affected by penalties, the Irish Field reported. The Turf Club and the INHSC will continue to operate as private clubs and will each nominate three directors to the board of the IHRB. The new company will come into effect on Jan. 1.
Incoming IHRB Chairman Peter Allen said, “Racing, both as a sport and an industry, faces many challenges today. Irish racing has always had an excellent reputation and it is vital that continues to be the case. The new company structure will ensure we continue to invest in the integrity services that underpin that reputation.”
Meta Osborne, senior steward of the Turf Club, said, “The Turf Club has served Irish racing well for more than 200 years. Ireland is recognised worldwide in racing circles as having the highest standards for integrity. I am confident that the IHRB will raise these standards to an even higher level.”
Joining Peter Allen as directors of the IHRB are Harry McCalmont, Martin O'Donnell, Caroline Corballis, Colm O'Flaherty and J.J. Power.
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