IRISH SET TO MISS AINTREE AND CHELTENHAM Following consultations between the Irish Racehorse Trainers` Association and the Department of Agriculture the chances of Irish-trained horses competing at Aintree or the rearranged Cheltenham Festival next month receded today. The IRTA issued the following statement: 'The committee met with Jim Beecher of the Department of Agriculture today. 'We welcome the possible resumption of racing in Ireland at Easter which will alleviate the need for many to want to race abroad. 'However, the position of the Minister for Agriculture, Joe Walsh, regarding Irish-trained horses and supporters going to the United Kingdom has not altered and the IRTA will continue to support that stance.' Due to the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the UK there has been no racing in Ireland since Naas on February 25th. The next scheduled fixtures are at Cork and Leopardstown on April 14th.
