The Department of Agriculture has lifted the ban on the importation of racehorses from Great Britain and Northern Ireland after approving a set of disease control procedures.
Racehorses trained in Great Britain and Northern Ireland can now race in the Republic but in a statement released today the Irish Horseracing Authority stated that this would be "subject to strict adherence of these protocols".
The movement of horses became operational yesterday after original plans prepared by the IHA and the Turf Club were approved last Friday.
Today’s announcement explains how champion trainer Aidan O’Brien was able to fly home three of his horses from Cambridge airport last night.
It was believed the ban, imposed as part of the foot-and-mouth restrictions, was still in place yesterday evening but the IHA and the Government announced today the lifting of the ban became operational from Tuesday, May 8th.
"Trainers, owners and breeders received notification last Friday that plans were in place to lift the ban," said Department spokesman Paul Savage.
"When the facts were finalised yesterday, an application was made by Aidan O’Brien to fly his horses back home. He did have the necessary permission," said Savage.