Travellers videoed racing ponies through traffic on a busy main road in the Republic are likely to be prosecuted, police sources have said.

Internet footage of the controversial ‘sulky race’ has sparked outrage among road safety chiefs, animal welfare groups and community representatives.

Two men can be seen weaving through traffic at high speed on the Cork to Mallow road and narrowly avoiding cars in the six-minute clip.

Supt Con Cadogan of Gurranabraher Garda station in Cork described the race as “a clear breach of road traffic legislation which posed a significant danger to those involved and to other road users”.

One man in his 20s has been arrested over public order offences and was released without charge.

A file is now being prepared for the Republic's Director of Public Prosecutions.

Up to 70 spectators and several vehicles were at the scene when gardai were called shortly after 7am last Saturday, May 5.

Gardai say they are confident they can identify more people from the footage and plan to bring charges for road traffic and animal cruelty offences.

Belfast Telegraph