Racing in Northern Ireland is set to resume next month after the announcement by Agriculture Minister Bríd Rodgers that the ban - brought in due to foot-and-mouth disease - has been lifted.
Mrs Rodgers said: "I am very glad to report that the Northern Ireland Executive yesterday agreed to the lifting on the ban on horse racing in Northern Ireland.
"I know this has been welcomed by the Irish Turf Club and they will ensure that all the necessary disinfection procedures will be followed at any race meeting they hold.
"The conditions under which horses may move to GB and to and from the Republic of Ireland are unaffected by this announcement."
Iain Duff, manager of Downpatrick - one of Northern Ireland's two racecourses - said he was hoping to stage a meeting on June 1st and 2nd but these dates had to be confirmed by the Turf Club.
Down Royal manager Mike Todd said: "Our next meeting is the Ulster Derby on June 23rd and we will be working towards that end. We welcome the announcement made today." There has been no racing in Northern Ireland since January because of the foot-and-mouth outbreak.
PA Sport