Irish Racing Leaders Concerned About What Effect Brexit Will Have On Industry

Just over one year ago, British citizens voted in favor of 'Brexit' – to leave the European Union. Thirteen months later, no one still really knows what effect Brexit will have, not only on Britain and Europe, but also on the rest of the world.

Members of Ireland's Thoroughbred industry are concerned that Brexit will hinder or prevent the movement of animals between the two countries, which would threaten both the racing and breeding sides of the industry. According to Horse Racing Ireland, Thoroughbred racing and breeding contributes over 1 billion euros to Ireland's economy each year.

Reuters reports that Ireland is “widely considered the EU member most at risk” from Brexit. Transporting horses between Britain and Ireland could become very difficult.

“Our fears are that if there any trade barriers or any tax or tariffs on movement of horses between Ireland and England, that could have a detrimental effect,” Henry Beeby, chief Executive of Goffs said.

Irish trainers are worried that easily transporting horses to racetracks in England could become a thing of the past.

“In effect, we are twin industries, joined at the hip,” Horse Racing Ireland chief executive Brian Kavanagh told an Irish parliamentary committee on Brexit last month.

“Unlike many other Brexit-hit sectors, we simply cannot adapt our product to suit new markets. Royal Ascot, Cheltenham, Aintree and Epsom cannot be replicated in another country.”

Read more at AOL.com

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