The Turf Club has approved amendments to Rules and Regulations relating to the declaration of headgear and caps.

As and from 3rd December 2012 it will be necessary for trainers to declare to Horse Racing Ireland the precise headgear to be worn by the horse, namely “blinkers”, “eyecover”, “eyeshield”, “hood”, “visor” or an approved combination of such equipment. Heretofore it was only necessary to declare blinkers.

In making these amendments the Turf Club was aware of the necessity for the racing public to have as much information as possible as to the precise type of equipment declared by the trainer to be worn by the horse.

From the same date trainers will also be required to declare to Horse Racing Ireland a distinguishing cap for publication on the racecard and in the news media where an owner has more than one runner in a race.

Commenting on the changes, Turf Club Chief Executive Denis Egan said that “the changes will help ensure that there is more accurate information available to everyone and will eliminate any confusion that was created in both areas”.