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  • Full Crowds to Return Soon to Irish Tracks

    Thursday, 2nd September 2021

    Following a lengthy period, of 18 months, Irish racing, including Irish Champions Weekend and the Listowel Harvest festival, could return to their full schedules in October. According to an announcement by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, all restrictions are set to be lifted, however Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) chief executive, Brian Kavanagh, emphasised that HRI has yet to interpret exactly what the reopening plan will mean for upcoming major events. According to racingpost.com, from Monday 6 September, large stadiums and outdoor sports venues will be able to accommodate 75 per cent of their full capacity, only if they admit fans who have been vaccinated or cured of COVID-13. Outdoor venues that allow a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated fans can operate at 50 per cent capcity. Kavanagh explained, for indoor venues, where spectators are eagerly requesting to return, HRI is waiting for further details to emerge: "We welcome this positive news and look forward to easing the restrictions on racing. Obviously, we'll have to study the details of this announcement - in terms of interiors and exteriors - and we'll do that and regroup." He added, "It reflects very well the work that everyone has done over the last 18 months to keep racing in a restricted format."