‘Comprehensive’ Covid response in place at Mullingar Stadium - IGB

(Above) Mullingar Greyhound Stadium.

The attendance at Mullingar Greyhound Stadium of dog trainers and owners from the three midlands counties currently under lockdown does not pose an undue threat as there is a “robust system in place to comply with Covid-19 protocols”, according to the Irish Greyhound Board.

Although the government reimposed strict lockdown restrictions on people living in Laois, Offaly and Kildare last Friday, August 7, due a spike in coronavirus cases, it is believed that trainers and dog owners from these counties travelled to the two meetings held in Mullingar last weekend.

Although residents of the three affected counties have been advised to remain within their own borders, they can travel elsewhere for work.

In a statement to the Westmeath Examiner, Gerard Dollard the chief executive of the Irish Greyhond Board (IGB), which owns Mullingar Greyhound Stadium, said that it has “at all times complied with government advice and directives in relation to greyhound racing”.

“Measures introduced to date include a strict ‘one person, one dog’ policy, A comprehensive protocol for owners and trainers, restrictions on numbers attending at greyhound tracks in accordance with guidelines on mass gatherings, mandatory wearing of face coverings by all staff and a strong encouragement to all others to wear a face covering while on the premises and prebooking of admissions to ensure full details are available in the event of contact tracing being required.

“In addition there is a comprehensive Covid-19 response plan in place to provide for sanitising arrangements, social distancing and isolation rooms in the event that same is required.

“Ownership of a greyhound does not require an owner to be in attendance. Greyhounds may be presented by the trainer of the greyhound or other authorised party. The IGB has an arrangement in place to allow a greyhound to be withdrawn from a race and an alternative entry be drawn from a reserve list.

“The IGB is satisfied that it is in full compliance with all government directives and has a robust system in place to comply with Covid-19 protocols.

“We continue to encourage all parties to fully adhere to all guidelines and comply with any directions from staff at our stadia to ensure that all can remain safe during this difficult period for all.”

The IGB has also introduced a range of Covid-19 measures for fans in line with government guidelines. A maximum of 50 booked customers can view racing from the outdoor concourse, while people who have booked a table at the restaurant are required to remain there for the duration of the event.