Racing in Northern Ireland is set to resume next month following the announcement by Agriculture Minister Brid 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.
While Mike Todd manager of Down Royal said: "Our next meeting is the Ulster Derby on June 23rd and we will be working towards that end."
The famous partnership between French trainer Andre Fabre and jockey Olivier Peslier is reportedly under strain, it was revealed yesterday. Peslier, who has retainer to ride for Daniel Wildenstein, is said to be facing an ultimatum from Fabre, after the Parisian owner removed 42 horses from the legendary trainer's stable.
