RACING: Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) have described their initial meetings with various cable and satellite companies as "positive" as they continue to develop plans for their own racing channel.
The HRI chief executive Brian Kavanagh confirmed yesterday a time frame of three to six months for racing's ruling body to examine the possibility of going it alone. An earlier deal with the attheraces network, on the back of the closure of the Racing Channel, didn't work out because the English-based company wanted pictures only on Sundays and big-race days.
"I would say the attheraces situation is in abeyance. They know we are exploring all other options. Things are progressing and we are having discussions with various parties who might be interested," Kavangh said.
"Since the Racing Channel stopped, attendances have been very strong. Whether that's linked we don't know. The quality of the racing has also been very good at the same time and that may have something to do with it too," he added. The belief in some racing circles is that a dedicated channel would increase sponsorship and that coverage would also give a boost to the Tote.
Other news yesterday centred on the continued recovery of Limestone Lad who will be given a workout this weekend. "It's a case of steady as she goes with him. The vet was here this morning and he gave him a good examination after he'd had a blow-out. He said the horse was all clear and I couldn't be happier about that," said Michael Bowe.
"He will have a piece of work at the weekend, somewhere away from here and quiet," he added.
Media Puzzle was given a clean bill of health at Dermot Weld's Curragh base at Rosewell House and the Melbourne Cup winner may yet return to Dubai for the Sheema Classic on March 29th.
Meanwhile, the identities of another 12 horses to have tested positive for morphine in Britain were released by the Jockey Club yesterday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases so far to 27. The source of the morphine is thought to be a contaminated batch of feed used by trainers in Britain and Ireland.
The trainers of the horses concerned are sure to be monitoring the state of affairs in this country where one horse, Christy Roche's Kadiskar, has been disqualifed for a positive test with the trainer's fine waived.
The 12 positive tests are: Rare Ouzel, November 15th, Cheltenham (trained by Tony Martin, 2nd); Pawn In Life, November 26th, Southwell (David Barron, unplaced); Supreme Salutation, November 30th, Wolverhampton (David Barron, 1st); Valazar, November 30th, Wolverhampton (David Barron, 7th); Zagala, November 30th, Wolverhampton (Shaun Keightley, 4th); Massey, December 2nd, Wolverhampton (David Barron, 2nd); Lanmire Leader, December 2nd, Folkestone (Albert Ennis, 3rd); Crusoe, December 4th, Southwell (Jeff Sadik, 3rd); Benny The Vice, December 4th, Southwell (Ann Duffield, unplaced); Saxon Mill, December 5th, Market Rasen (Pippa Bickerton, 1st); Queens Pageant, December 6th, Southwell (John Spearing, unplaced); Valazar, December 10th, Southwell (David Barron, 1st).
