The IHRC are currently in negotiations with Horse Sport Ireland and the Department of Finance to procure a Tote License which will allow for an off course betting solution to be developed for Harness Racing in Ireland.
We are in advanced talks to find a solution where Irish Harness Racing can stage International race meetings at an International standard venue, three independent solutions are currently being considered.
We are currently in a process with Horse Sport Ireland and the Department of Agriculture where the IHRC will become a Passport Issuing Organization (PIO) for the Standardbred breed both Pacer & Trotter in Ireland.
We are working on a complete training program solution that will deal with all aspects of horse management in a practical and school environment. This will hopefully allow the next generation to have a formal training process and develop their skills within the harness racing industry.
We are in talks with LeTrot to purchase brood mares in foal in 2015 with a stakes program for the resulting foals born in 2016, we are also looking at a further sales date of April 2015 to purchase additional racehorses.
The Committee of SHRI are in talks to lease Portmarnock Raceway on a year round basis where they would have access on a full time basis from 2015 onwards which opens up many new opportunities and possibilities to further develop and sustain the future viability of harness racing.
Works being carried out at Portmarnock Raceway on the Fingal Leader Grant Funding is 75% complete at this point with a final completion date of mid January 2015
The Committee of the ITHRF is currently in negotiations on a number of opportunities to develop their own permanent racing facilities for the West Cork region.
