Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 16 January 2018

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Indecon Review of Irish Harness Racing Sector: Irish Harness Racing Association

3:30 pm

Mr. Arthur Cooper:

I will address the question of breeding. That is something I did not touch on because I was only supposed to speak for ten minutes. Breeding is the area where we see a terrific economic opportunity for Ireland. We have always said that. Two years ago, France got on board. They saw the opportunity as well. We bought subsidised mares, pregnant by good stallions, which were foaled a little less than 12 months ago. They will be re-served during this coming year. Regarding prize money, we have put together a stakes programme worth €125,000 to encourage breeders. That is intended for three-year-olds and four-year-olds born of these home-bred horses. I was recently in contact with some stud farms in France to inquire about the right type of stallions to be used for the mares. Our French partners want us to import a lot more pregnant mares or mares for serving. We currently have a couple of shuttle stallions in Ireland.