Doctors' dispute: There was widespread relief yesterday at the news that the threat to racing from a possible withdrawal of services by racecourse doctors has been averted.
Marathon talks between the Association of Irish Racecourses (AIR) and the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has resulted in an interim agreement that will allow up to six months for final contracts to be drawn up between the two sides.
Contracts, conditions and pay were the issues that threatened a strike from January 1st, a move that could have brought the sport grinding to a halt. "I am pleased that everything has got sorted out and that everyone has got their heads together and moved forward. It is a relief for everyone in racing," said the Horse Racing Ireland chief executive, Brian Kavanagh yesterday.
It is understood that an interim rate of €500 per day will be paid to racecourse doctors next year as discussions continue towards a final contract. However, the immediate threat to racing is over and a full resolution to the problem is expected.
Amateur JP Magnier, son of owners John and Sue, is set to keep the ride on Rhinestone Cowboy in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in March. The gelding runs in the Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown on Monday.
