Greyhound Racing Suspended, Care Payment Introduced

The Irish Greyhound Board confirmed last night that all greyhound racing activity is suspended with immediate effect. Racing had been taking place behind closed doors since the initial restrictions on public gatherings had been introduced.

The governing body also announced a Covid-19 Greyhound Care Payment Scheme to provide support for the care of racing greyhounds during the period that greyhound racing remains suspended as a result of the Covid-19 crisis.

A payment of €2 per day will be made in respect of each active greyhound currently registered on the IGB’s Racing Management System.

The scheme does not require any application by owners/trainers for the special payment as this will automatically be processed on a fortnightly basis similar to current arrangements for prize money payments.

The scheme will come into effect from 8th April 2020 when the final prize money payments have been made. The scheme will be reviewed after one month of operation and in the event that restrictions arising from the Covid 19 pandemic remain in place.

Fees for the registration of greyhound pups will also be waived during this time and the Irish Greyhound Board has made its facilities and staff available to the HSE in any way that they might be needed.

“The care and welfare of racing greyhounds remains a priority action for the IGB and the wider greyhound community,” said Irish Greyhound Board Chairman Frank Nyhan.

“The current Covid-19 crisis has required the suspension of racing activity which results in an income loss for those involved in the greyhound industry. The purpose of the Covid-19 Greyhound Care Payment Scheme is to ensure that the care and welfare of greyhounds continues to remain a priority and that funding is available to the greyhound community to support the costs associated with the daily care of their greyhounds.”

“I ask all in the greyhound community to work together during the current crisis and to stay safe by complying with all government advice and HSE protocols. I look forward to the resumption of greyhound racing as soon as is possible.”