All is not well with the new Horseracing Ireland board.
The Industry's two main unions, SIPTU and Mandate, have written to Bertie Ahern to voice their disagreement over one appointment to the board. Seemingly both unions have tried to discuss their grievances with Minister Joe Walsh, but so far, by all accounts, he has been unable to find the time to reply to their representations.
Many of the unions' members will be expected to move to the proposed HRI headquarters at the Curragh in Co. Kildare. It has also been muted that some may move before the facility is finished and work out of porta-cabins. There will be protracted negotiations between Government officials and the unions over the issues arising from this move so it is imperative that this latest problem is sorted out as quickly as possible.
It was a light week on the domestic front with only four days racing and the first outing was at Fairyhouse on Wednesday where punters received a raw deal. The management erecteda marquee beside the bookmakers' ring for a non-racing function and it obstructed the view of the straight from all but the loftiest of perches in the main stand. Long-necked customers probably did not notice the tent, but for the rest it was an irritating eyesore.
Johnny Murtagh was always likely to struggle to reach the dizzy heights he attained thanks to the likes of Sinndar last season, but with three Group1 victories to his credit already the year it has not been a total disaster. His hopes of landing the Flat Jockeys' Championship received a boost over the weekend. Five victories at the two-day Down Royal meeting have moved him to within four of Pat Smullen. They are still some way off reaching the finishing line, but this week's action at Listowel will be crucial in determining the outcome.
A new talent has emerged on the riding front. Davy Condon rode a double at Gowran Park on Thursday and followed up with another success at Cork on Saturday. The sixteen-year-old apprentice has a very polished style and appears to have what it takes to etch out a niche for himself in this cut-throat business. Like last season's champion apprentice he hails from county Waterford and is the son of trainer Michael Condon.
Following the tragedy in America two weeks ago the Magnier-Tabor alliance has pledged to donate ten percent of their haul from the Breeders' Cup meeting to the disaster fund. Aidan O'Brien and Michael Kinane intend to do likewise. It is a noble gesture from all concerned, presuming that they have a winner or two.
