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REPORT FOR MEETING OF IGB AND IGOBF 17th September 2020 Meeting took place at Tipperary Technology Park in Thurles.
In attendance IGB - Ger Dollard CEO, Philip Peake Deputy CEO and Pat Herbert Director of Regulation. IGOBF - Damian Matthews Chairman, Helen Morris Secretary, Clare Hanley and Geoff Parnaby. Meeting started at 10 am. Seeding IGOBF Have previously raised concerns that there should be equal distribution of seeding for both ordinary races and open competitions. Whilst there is agreement this should be done there are occasions when this is not happening where a number of wide and middle seeds appear in one race and none in the other race of the same grade. IGB to further look at adherence of this. Central Grading IGOBF In 2019 put forward a case for central grading to IGB, this was brought forward to the National Consultative Forum where it was widely accepted. Where are the IGB at with regard to its introduction? IGB The Leinster office is in place and it is hoped Munster will be next, once in place which is envisaged will be towards the end of 2021 it will help boost integrity and offer cost savings to the industry. It will be available to private tracks also. Novice Racing IGOBF Highlighted a problem with N2-N3 being put in together a 30.70 pup could be in with a 28.90 pup. This needs addressing along with the opportunity for pups to gain experience with their own age. Time finding needs to be addressed there needs to be clear guidelines, penalties and enforcement. IGB We have two issues here; more races for novice greyhounds in against equal peers and time finding. A trial is supposed to be an indication of the greyhounds ability. IGB Asked for an input from IGOBF members regarding these issues, novice race guidelines and penalties for time finding. Track Ratings IGOBF Track ratings need looking at on a meeting by meeting basis. Questions have been raised re the times being run at Shelbourne Park which we see as having a detrimental effect on identifying the true quality of a runner there and hence a true market value. IGB Stated Shelbourne Park times will be reviewed after the Derby. Track ratings are regularly reviewed based on actual data. Scanning & Traceability IGB Are looking to move towards a technology based system. Scanning has been trialed at one of the tracks, it will be a learning process for all but once successful it will be rolled out across all tracks. This is hoped will bring savings in paper work to the industry. Traceability system should be operational in Q4 2020. IGOBF Welcomed this move. Rebranding Greyhound Racing IGB Parts of the Greyhound Act should be in place in October. The IGB will be named Rsocht Con ireann/Greyhound Racing Ireland. There will not be be a full rebrand until a later date. Broadcasting of greyhound racing IGB Currently all mainstream Irish TV stations will not broadcast greyhound racing. The Derby has been covered by RPGTV and has been met with widespread approval by the industry at large. However RPGTV is funded by UK bookmakers and they are restricted in showing Irish content. IGOBF Is it possible to introduce a YouTube channel to cover Irish racing, consider what other channels may be open at this time. Questions very much remain over Barking Buzz.
Indecon Report IGB We have had extensive discussion with Enniscorthy and Youghal and we have entered into an agreement with both, subject to conditions that they continue to operate until December 2022 with a review in the fourth quarter of 2021. There are targets to be met and a reduction of the overall costs to IGB, a number of initiatives on welfare will also be undertaken. IGOBF Based on Enniscorthy and Youghals trading performance their future is in their own hands. Winter Racing Schedule IGB With five levels on COVID 19 even if we are on Level one until June 2021 where we can have 200 people outside/100 people inside the industry is not sustainable. The Christmas market is gone and we hold major concerns over future direction of the industry. We continue to promote our case amongst Oireachtas members and it is important for all participants in our industry to do the same. It is believed that the Horse and Greyhound fund will go and we will come under the Dept of Agriculture, if that happens we may no longer stay aligned to horse racing ie 80-20 split. It is important that the industry maintains its current funding. IGOBF Asked that IGB supply IGOBF with a version of their submission for the budget so participants may engage with their local representatives. Greyhound Care Centres IGB We opened the first centre in July 2020 for 18 greyhounds, a video will be released shortly. IGOBF When someone is retiring a greyhound there needs to be advice and guidance on how to go about it, there should be appropriate photos to enhance chances of adoption. These may include social settings with small animals etc. Note : There is a donate button on the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust page on Facebook, this is something th at is in everyone's interest to support. Random Kenneling IGB piloted a one off random kenneling at Shelbourne Park and feedback was positive. Each kennel will be assigned a random number. It is believed this helps to further advance integrity. IGOBF Feel kennels will need to be locked after dogs have returned after each race with a steward in place. Database of Owners IGB Would like to see a line of communication through the IGOBF to participants. There is communication through Talking Dogs but there are instances where a more direct approach would be preferable. IGOBF Have engaged a company to set up a site that should be in operation shortly, this will allow a growing number of members to be contacted directly. PR panel of greyhound community reps IGB Would like to have local participants available who are willing and able to speak on radio or to the media etc. IGOBF Have previously identified individuals who were willing to do this and will revisit with them and supply names. Any other business IGB All participants should wear masks when attending tracks. IGB The IGB website is being reviewed to ensure that all information is or will be brought into line with data protection laws. IGOBF Outlined concerns regarding adjustments to racing in Tralee. IGB Stated that discussions with Tralee are ongoing. IGOBF Outlined concerns regarding the future of Clonmel track. IGB We are happy to engage with representatives of Clonmel track. IGOBF Raised the issue of races being lost across the board and participants finding it extremely difficult to get runs. A number of tracks reduced from two nights racing to one night and participants were of the opinion there would be more races on those nights to accommodate the dog pools which indeed there initially was, these have invariably been removed.
IGB 10 races is the standard. It is not sustainable to add more races, there is a wider issue financially in the current climate. There may well be choices to be made.. IGOBF It caused consternation amongst some members when it was announced that Shelbourne Park would get extra prize money. Participants see the SIS races as getting less money. IGB Shelbourne are losing a night's racing and that is where the money is coming from, this was explained on Talking Dogs. SIS money is broadly the same, it is distributed differently across the whole race. IGOBF Are there COVID grants available to the industry? IGB There are central grants which apply to any business and private tracks may be in a position to apply for these grants. IGOBF Was the proper procedure followed when the contract was awarded to Preferred Results? IGB This was dealt with at the Public Accounts Committee, everything was done according to the proper procedures. The meeting concluded at 12.15 Damian Matthews, Chairman IGOBF
Martin James Ireland (Verified User) Posts 1127 Dogs 5 / Races 0 30 Sep 2020 19:34
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HRI more fixtures next year.Reasonable to assume their funding is assured ?