Turf Club outlines latest plans and strategies

The health and safety of jockeys will continue to be a priority for the Turf Club according to Senior Steward Mr Pierce Molony. Mr Molony was speaking at the annual media briefing by the Turf Club which was held in Dublin earlier today, Tuesday, 25 October, 2005.

In a wide ranging address Mr Molony also updated the media on progress on relation to the redevelopment of the Curragh Racecourse, on the setting up of the new Appeals and Referrals Bodies, and on the need to accelerate the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Betting Exchanges.

The annual briefing was also addressed by Mr William Flood, Senior Steward, of the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee, who particularly noted that there was to be a reassessment of the top weight in National Hunt handicaps. He also gave details of a new ten race series for Novice Point to Point riders designed to promote the sport.

The media briefing addressed the following:-:

• Complete results of Body Weights Study to be presented to Dehydration Seminar in London
• ?250,000 to be invested in Helmet Research Study
• Jockeys behaviour under scrutiny
• Delay in signing betting exchanges Memorandum of Understanding
• Crack down on unrecognised meetings to continue
• New appeals and referrals bodies to be in position by 1st January
• Point to point fixture to support Shaun McManus Appeal
• Top weight NH handicaps to be reassessed
• New series of point to points for novice riders

Body Weights Study

Mr Molony began his briefing by giving an update on the Body Weights Study conducted on behalf of the Turf Club by the National Coaching and Training Centre (NCTC) in Limerick into the body weights of Irish jockeys. He said that this study and subsequent Turf Club research at race meetings had confirmed that there is a major problem with dehydration in jockeys.

He said that the studies had also identified other health concerns such as low body fat and bone density which indicated the presence of Osteopenia. 'The majority of problems identified are undoubtedly directly attributable to the lifestyle led by most jockeys and also to their diets.'

He said that the NCTC were currently in the process of completing a further phase of the study analysing the diets of Irish jockeys. The full results of this study will be presented at a joint seminar hosted by both the Turf Club and the Jockey Club in London late in November. Mr Molony said that the work done by the Turf Club in this area had also been shared with other racing authorities both at the Asian Racing Conference in Seoul earlier this year and at the AGM of the International Federation of Horse Racing Authorities in Paris.

'While we fully recognise the human race is getting bigger and jockeys are finding it increasingly difficult to ride at current weights the Stewards of the Turf Club are reluctant to increase weights until we get some commitment from riders that they will not ride when they are dehydrated. This may ultimately mean the introduction of random dehydration testing.'

'We believe there is little point in raising weights unless riders accept that they cannot continue to ride at weights which are detrimental to their own health. Currently we are looking into the possibility of setting up an education programme at RACE which riders will be asked to attend annually. Attendance at this may be one of the pre conditions which must be satisfied before a licence is issued.' He stressed that the jockeys themselves must also take responsibility in this area.

Helmet Research Study

Mr Molony noted that the recommendation last year by the Safety Review Group that research should be undertaken into helmets had been actioned. A Helmet Research Study is currently being carried out by Professor Michael Gilchrist and his team in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UCD. The purpose of the research is to improve safety and to help in reducing the severity of future head injuries.

Mr Molony noted that the study which will take place over two years has the full support of the helmet manufacturers. They have agreed to provide Professor Gilchrist with the data they have amassed in their own research laboratories. He noted that the objectives of the research are to identify any limitations which might exist in the current certification standards and also to identify improvements which can be made to the current helmet design.

Mr Molony noted that the total cost of the study is ?243,000. He said that he was disappointed that 'while the jockeys as a group fully support the study they have refused to provide any funding towards the cost of the work. They were asked to contribute a levy of ?1 per ride. We see their attitude in stark contrast to that of the Qualified Riders Association who on hearing of the research immediately accepted a funding proposal of a levy of ?1 per ride. While we would wish to have the jockeys support in terms of the funding we will find the funding to carry out what we believe is vital work if we are to do everything possible to improve safety.'

Behaviour of Jockeys

While speaking of the jockeys Mr Molony noted that the Stewards of the Governing Bodies had become increasingly alarmed at the behaviour of riders. Some of this behaviour is creating a negative image for the sport. He said it was particularly disappointing to see that some of those involved in such behaviour would certainly be regarded as role models. 'Their behaviour is certainly not the example which we would wish our younger riders to follow.'

He said that there had been a number of incidents over the past year which had no place in racing. He noted that in all cases the Stewards had handed out significant penalties. He stressed that such behaviour would not be tolerated and that any rider contemplating such actions could expect the heaviest of penalties.

Working with the Trainers Associations

Mr Molony said that the Stewards had been working on a number of initiatives particularly in relation to uncompetitive horses and the declaration of reserves. He said that since September the Stewards had started warning trainers on uncompetitive horses that if the horses' performance did not improve the animal may be suspended. He said that since the initiative was introduced the trainers of 32 horses have been warned and 3 horses have been suspended.

He also spoke of the frustration of trainers turning up at races believing that their horse which was originally a reserve would be able to run only to discover that the trainer of the non-runner had forgotten to take his horse out of the race. He said a new rule has been introduced which would allow an additional 15 minutes for a horse to be taken out of a race if a reserve which is declared is not getting a run. 'This should give sufficient time to ensure that the necessary contacts and paperwork are completed.'

Betting Exchanges / Bookmakers

Mr Molony noted that the Stewards of the Governing Bodies had introduced a new suite of rules in relation to betting exchanges earlier this year. These had been introduced in advance of the appointment of the Turf Club's Integrity Analyst Hugh Hynes with a view to being in a position to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the betting exchanges once Mr Hynes was on board.

He said that it was not very satisfactory that six months on the Memorandum of Understanding still had not been signed. He said that this situation had been brought about as HRI had not been able to conclude a meaningful deal with the betting exchanges for payment of data fees. He said that Betfair's refusal to pay a reasonable fee to HRI for the use of Irish Racing data meant that the amount of funding available to HRI to finance the industry was reduced and that this had potentially as much a negative impact on the Turf Club's ability to carry out its integrity function as had the absence of a Memorandum of Understanding simply because there would be less money available to fund integrity services. Mr. Molony called on Betfair to make every effort to come to some sort form of acceptable arrangement with HRI to ensure the matter would be resolved.'

In relation to the off course bookmakers he said that the Turf Club was currently in the process of exchanging a Memorandum of Understanding for consideration by them. This related to the sharing of information. The matter was due to be discussed by the Stewards at the end of November and that all going to plan he hoped that a Memorandum of Understanding with the major off course bookmaking firms would be signed in December.

Goggles

Reverting back to the safety of jockeys he noted that the new safety goggles had been introduced in June of this year. These goggles were developed by Uvex in consultation with senior Turf Club Medical Officer, Dr Walter Halley. Prior to their introduction there was no racing eyewear which conformed to the EU standards for eyewear. He noted that the new goggles had been extensively tested and that they had been enthusiastically received internationally. He noted that a significant number of leading riders in Britain are now using the goggles. He said that for safety reasons the Stewards did not intend to make the use of the goggles compulsory as there may be occasions when it is safer not to use them. He said that the Stewards did, however, strongly recommend the use of the goggles as he felt that they would undoubtedly help prevent eye injuries.

International Doctors Conference

Mr Molony noted that the first ever international doctors' conference for the racing industry would be held in October of next year in Tokyo. This is being held as part of the ICRAV conference which is the bi-annual conference for racing analysts and veterinary surgeons. He noted that Turf Club Chief Executive Denis Egan had been asked to chair this first ever conference.

He said that the primary purpose of the conference was to review all aspects of safety on race courses around the world and to identify problems which are uniform. 'Given the fact that jockeys sometimes ride in major races in three continents in less than a week it is important that there is uniformity in standards.'

Unrecognised Meetings

Mr Molony said that the Turf Club would continue to prosecute anyone involved in unrecognised race meetings. During 2005 the Turf Club's investigations team had visited a number of such meetings which he said are completely against the Rules of Racing and any participation in such meetings by licensees will not be tolerated by the Stewards. He said that he expected there would be a further number of prosecutions in the coming months.

New Appeals Bodies

Mr Molony confirmed that that the new rules relating to the setting up of the new Appeals and Referrals Bodies would be published in the Racing Calendar in early November for consideration by the Members at their meeting on 15 November. He said that once the rules had been approved the new bodies would come into being on 1st January, 2006.

Mr Molony said that the new Referrals Committee would deal with any matters that had been referred to it either by the Acting Stewards or by Horse Racing Ireland. He said it will have the power to decide on any other matter which may be placed before it under the Rules. 'In general terms the new body will deal with matters which the Acting Stewards cannot deal with on the racecourse and will also deal with the initial prosecution in relation to prohibited substances or doping offences.' There will be 12 Members of the committee all of whom will be Members of the Governing Bodies.

The new Appeals Body will be an independent tribunal whose sole function will be to conduct and determine appeals brought to it under the Rules. It shall consist of a chairman and deputy chairman each of whom shall be a retired judge or retired and practising solicitor or barrister of not less than 15 years standing. In all cases none of the people involved shall be, or ever have been a Member of the Governing Bodies. In addition the Body will have two vice chairmen and six ordinary Members who shall be Members of the Governing Bodies but not currently serving as Stewards.

It was further noted that the Appeals Body would sit in two divisions each composed of three members. The first division will be presided over by the independent chairman or deputy while the second division will be presided over by one of the vice chairmen who will be a member of the Governing Body.

'Any person making an appeal to the Appeals Body shall be entitled to express a view as to which division should hear the appeal. However, in turn the chairman or deputy chairman shall have complete discretion to decide which division should deal with the matter. In making the decision they will take into account the consequences for the appellant of any penalty that might be imposed on the hearing of the appeal'.

Mr Molony said that in general terms the Appeals Body would hear and adjudicate on appeals from the acting Stewards, the Referrals Committee and the Licensing Committee. Examples of the type of appeals which would be heard by the first division of the new Appeals Body would be those relating to rider suspensions or appeals where a person's livelihood is threatened.

He said that he believed that the introduction of the new appeals structure would further enhance the independence of the Turf Club while bringing it more into line with human rights legislation.

Opening Up of Appeal Hearings to the Media

Mr Molony confirmed that it was the intention of the Turf Club to open up appeals to the media with effect from 1 January, 2006. He said that the appeals, which would be opened up, would relate to where there is video evidence and where the incident arose on the race course. He said that this decision had been taken in conjunction with the introduction of the new Appeals Body. (A copy of the guidelines in relation to the opening of appeals is attached to this press release.)

Curragh Development

Mr Molony confirmed that the redevelopment of the Curragh Racecourese is progressing smoothly. He said that there was really no further update at this point in time as they were awaiting the outcome of an appeal which was due early in the New Year.

NATIONAL HUNT MATTERS

Mr William Flood, Senior Steward, Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee, also briefed those present on a number of initiatives in relation to the National Hunt. Again he noted the importance of safety and the continuing need to examine all aspects of the sport to cut down on serious incidents.

Shaun McManus Fund-Raising

Mr Flood began by speaking of 21 year old Shaun McManus who had suffered serious spinal injuries at a Point to Point meeting earlier this year. He noted that he was still in the National Rehabilitation Centre in Dun Laoghaire. He said that the Stewards of the INHS had considered Shaun's situation at a recent meeting and had decided to sanction a Point to Point fixture to be held on Sunday, 20 November, at Tattersalls Farm, Ratoath, Co Meath. He said all proceeds from the day would go to the benefit of Shaun through the Qualified Riders Accident Fund. In addition, any person wishing to make a donation to Shaun may do so through a special bank account which has been set up. The details are as follows:-

Account Name: Qualified Riders Accident Fund Bank Name:

Bank of Ireland, Newbridge

Account Number: 15593793

Sort Code: 90-12-63

NH Handicaps Top Weight

Mr Flood went on to say that for a number of years the top weight in NH handicaps had been 12 stone. He said that, following consultation with the NH handicapping team and the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association, the Stewards are now proposing that this weight be reduced to 11stone 12lbs in ordinary handicaps and to 11stone 10lbs in grades A, B and C and Listed Handicaps. He noted that the proposed changes would be put to the general meeting of the membership on 15 November after which a timeframe for its introduction would be agreed.

Steeplechase Fence Aprons

Mr Flood said that the Stewards of the INHSC had been seriously looking at trying to standardise the aprons of steeplechase fences particularly at Point to Points. To this end they had introduced a new style apron on a trial basis at the start of 2005. Thirteen separate point to point meetings were held using the aprons in all types of ground conditions between January and May. The reaction of all parties was sought. While there was some criticism in the early stages he said that the apron had now been approved by the Stewards for use in future Point to Points.

He went on to say that a second apron was now being trialed. A PVC apron has been used successfully at two meetings to date. Its progress will continue to be monitored by the Stewards. He said that the long-term wish of the NH Stewards was that one type of fence apron would be used throughout the whole country both in Point to Point steeplechases and possibly even on the racecourse proper.

Point to Point Novice Riders Series

He concluded his remarks by saying that the INHSC had sanctioned a new series of Point to Point races for novice riders. The ten races will be for riders who have not ridden more than five winners under the Rules of Racing or Point to point Steeplechases and who are not over the age of 25. He said that the series would be sponsored by the NH Committee and would be staged at venues throughout the country. He said that the initiative was to try to provide a further incentive for young Point to Point riders by devoting a series of races to them specifically.