Fears are growing that Brexit could derail Ireland’s multi-billion euro horse racing and breeding industry.

As the prospect of a no-deal Brexit grows ever more likely, industry chiefs have voiced their concerns over the movement of horses after the March 29 deadline.

The racing and breeding industry in Ireland is worth about €1.8bn to the economy a year and supports upwards of 29,000 jobs.

But central to its well-being is the long-standing tripartite agreement between Ireland, Britain and France that allows free movement of horses between the three major bloodstock nations.

However, a no-deal Brexit would leave the agreement between the three countries “invalidated”, according to a report in ‘The Irish Field’.

“Horse Racing Ireland says that horses going to or from Britain will have to go through veterinary checks at a border inspection post. Currently, only Dublin Airport and Shannon Airport have this facility, which is impractical for almost all trainers and breeders,” it reported.

“New BIPs [border inspection posts] may be set up at Dublin Port and Rosslare Harbour, but even with the right certification, long delays are likely.”

Further difficulties include a likely fall in sterling, which would hit Irish bloodstock sales, and tariffs of up to 11.5pc that could be applied to geldings bought in Ireland and destined for Britain.

Henry Beeby, chief executive of Goffs, recently said it was vital there were no barriers to equine traffic between Britain and Ireland.

“British and Irish racing really is one industry. Britain doesn’t produce enough foals to be able to serve its own fixture list – it needs imports. Ireland is the biggest producer in Europe,” he added.

Source: Read Full Article