The Directors of the IHRB, using their powers under Rule 22, have approved the following insertion of a new definition and amendment of Rules 90 and 91 to apply with effect from Monday 8th June 2020. This will be published in the next two editions of the Irish Racing Calendar as required under Rule 22.

“Racecourse Property” means the Racecourse Stable complex, Parade Ring, Racetrack and adjoining and ancillary areas.

Identification
90. (i) The Horse should be presented for identification by an IHRB Official at least one (1) hour prior to the time fixed for the running of the race in which the Horse is declared to run. In exceptional circumstances, the Stewards may allow an additional 10 minutes for late arrival where the Stewards have been notified in advance that a Horse may be late.

(ii) The Trainer is responsible for having checked that the markings of the Horse are accurately and completely recorded in the Passport and endorsing the Passport accordingly.

(iii) On the first time that the Horse is formally identified by an IHRB Veterinary Officer/Assistant, and/or if the horse is not trained in Ireland, five points of identification will be confirmed, one of which is to be the microchip transponder. The microchip may be used thereafter as confirmation of identity.

(iv) If the Horse cannot be positively identified by the IHRB Veterinary Officer/Assistant according to the principles of Rule 90 (iii), the Horse shall be withdrawn by the Stewards and the matter shall be referred to a Senior Racing Official for investigation.

(v) If the Horse can be positively identified but there are discrepancies in the markings as recorded in the Passport, the Trainer shall have thirty (30) days to update the Passport. If the discrepancies have not been corrected to the satisfaction of an IHRB Veterinary Officer/Assistant by the expiration of the thirty (30) day period the Horse shall not be eligible to start until the Passport has been corrected to the satisfaction of an IHRB Veterinary Officer/Assistant.

(vi) No Trainer shall present a Horse to race where the Horse in question is not the Horse identified in the passport and/or is not the Horse declared to run for the Race in question.

(vii) Any Trainer found to be in breach of this rule may be sanctioned under Rule 14.

Equine Influenza Vaccination Certification
91.(i) It shall be a breach of these Rules for any Horse to enter Racecourse Property on a designated Raceday unless it is certified by a veterinary surgeon as vaccinated against Equine Influenza in accordance with the following;

     1. Primary Course of Vaccination shall comprise of:
          a. First vaccination;
          b. Second vaccination between 21 and 92 days after the first;
          c. Third vaccination between 150 and 215 days after the second.
     2. Booster equine influenza vaccination administered at least on an annual basis or such lesser time as the Directors of the IHRB may in an emergency direct.

(ii) No vaccine can be administered within the previous seven days otherwise the Horse shall not be qualified to start. For the avoidance of doubt there must be six clear days between vaccination and Raceday.

(iii) The Trainer is responsible for having checked that the equine influenza vaccination certification of the Horse is up to date and completely recorded in the Passport and endorsing same accordingly.

(iv) Notwithstanding the provisions contained in this Rule the Stewards will permit any horse to run in a race before receiving the third vaccination of the primary course.
(v) The IHRB must be satisfied that the certification of vaccination is in compliance with this Rule 91 before a Horse may enter Racecourse Property or run in a Race and shall be entitled to request evidence of same. The vaccination certification must have been submitted to the IHRB for approval by no later than 5 pm on the last working day preceding the day of the race.

(vi) Vaccinations shall only be administered and /or certified by a registered veterinary surgeon.
(vii) Once the Horse has been returned in training or registered for a Hunters Certificate for the first time vaccinations may not be administered and/or certified by a veterinary surgeon who has an involvement in the Horse as an Owner (including Company Ownership, Racing Syndicate or Racing Club), Trainer or Handler
(viii) In exceptional circumstances where it is not possible to update the vaccination certification in the Passport and with the prior permission of the CVO, written confirmation of vaccination status in accordance with Rule 91 may be accepted from a Veterinary Surgeon or a recognised Turf Authority.

(ix) The Trainer is responsible for ensuring compliance with this Rule for all horses under their care and control and breaches may be dealt with in accordance with Rule 14.