IHRC AGM Report

IHRC AGM REPORT

The IHRC AGM was held on Sunday 11^th March 2012 with an almost full attendance from both promoters and affiliated horse owners clubs.

A letter of resignation from the Chairman Mr. Samuel Crothers on the grounds of continuing ill health was accepted on behalf of the members. Mr James O’Sullivan representing Standardbred Horse Racing Ireland was elected as interim Chairman to fill this vacancy for the remaining term of 12 months. The outgoing Secretary Mrs Bernadette Kelly also representing Standardbred Horse Racing Ireland was re elected as Secretary for a further term of office.

The following changes to the National Handicapping system were agreed and will be implemented for the coming season.

1. Horses winning their Maiden (Grade 0) race will move to Grade 1 with Zero money (money won in the Maiden grade will no longer be carried forward).
2. All Horses that won their Maiden (Grade0) during the 2011 season will have their current marks retrospectively adjusted to deduct the value of money carried forward from their Maiden win.
3. All Maiden (Grade 0) horses will ballot for position irrespective of money won.
4. 10 year Old Horses and upwards will drop the middle of the 2^nd grade below their finishing grade of the previous year.
5. End of season handicap deduction will be based on the actual number of starts for the given season (no minimum or maximum number of runs will apply)
6. 4 Year Old Horses running in a 4 Year Old Race will have their handicap money penalty value reduce by 50% for both win and place money earned.

Handicap re assessments

When a horse owner feel that their horse has become uncompetitive they can apply to the Handicap Panel for a re assessment setting out their reasons. Applications will only be considered outside of the racing season

Criteria for re assessment will be based on but not limited to the following;

1. All applications must be in writing to the Secretary
2. Horses must have had a minimum of 8 runs
3. Horses must have raced over 2 season s back to back in Ireland.

Integrity Testing:

There was a lengthy debate on the subject of Integrity Testing with a general consensus that a more rigorous and robust policy needs to be implemented with the objective of having testing at every race meeting within the foreseeable future. It was suggested that every race should be sampled with the testing laboratory making a decision on which samples would be analysed. A cost analysis and implementation strategy is to be carried out with a report for the next committee meeting.

Funding:

A total re distribution of €4500 in funding to the affiliated clubs was agreed.

STAGBI Future Broodmare Race:

The STAGBI sponsored future Broodmare Race will  be held at Portmarnock Raceway in 2012 with a date to be announced shortly.

Prize money:

It was agreed that all Promoters must abide by the 14 Day rule for payment of prize money assurances were given in this respect.

Amateur Drivers:

Discussion took place on a proposal to introduce an Amateur type Drivers race for open class horses as betting and prize money races with a penalty free status. It was felt that this would attract both existing and new owner/trainer/drivers who wished to compete within their own capabilities. It would be an opportunity for those who have just finished their apprenticeship driving and also existing C Class Drivers who may only have competed occasionally or those wishing to return from a previous driving career.  Driving and theory tests would be mandatory for new applicants. This proposal received broad approval from the committee a definitive proposal will be outlined for the next meeting. Interested parties are welcome to make submissions in this regard.

Race Meetings:

A race Meeting should be constituted as a minimum of 5 races with a minimum of 5 runners in each. Exceptions in this regard would have to be made for FFA’s and Trotters where insufficient numbers exist, Agriculture Show meeting would also have to be exempt.

Licensing Days:

It is hoped that the successful Club Licensing Days run by the IHRC in 2010 would be re introduced this season for Cork, Dublin and Belfast. Dates will be announced following discussions with the individual Club representatives.

Race Dates 2012:

Annaghmore Raceway:  Wednesday Evenings June 13^th & 27^th, July 4^th, August 8^th, Saturdays Sept 1^st, 15^th & 29^th, October 13^th.

Tyrella: Sunday May 20^th, July 15^th, August 19^th.

Portmarnock Raceway:

All Sundays from 29^th April with the exception of August 26^th  ,a 2 day meeting Sat / Sun 11^th & 12^th August. Some Friday Night racing is also under discussion.

Cork: Awaiting confirmation following an ITHRF Meeting later this week.