Historic racecourse plays important role in life of province

Agriculture Minister, Bríd Rodgers has described the local horse racing industry as having “an important role to play” in the socio-economic life of Northern Ireland during a visit to Downpatrick Race Course.

Speaking as the guest of honour at the track – one of Ireland’s oldest venues for horse racing - Ms Rodgers explained “I took the opportunity to visit Downpatrick Race Course today, not only to support the industry but also in recognition of its co-operation during the Foot and Mouth outbreak here. I wish to place on the record my sincere appreciation to all concerned from racehorse owners, racecourse officials and all those in the industry who helped in preventing the disease from reaching epidemic proportions.

The Minister stressed the important links between her Department’s equine education provision at Enniskillen College and the racing industry in general: “Interest in equine studies has increased substantially over the past five years and particularly since the development of the BSc (Hons) Equine Studies programme at the College which has been on offer to students since 1998 and which is validated by the University of Ulster.

“The industry has been very supportive and there are many examples of co-operative ventures providing the opportunity for turning theoretical learning into practical experience. I applaud the vision of those sponsors and would encourage others to take up the same mantle,” she added.

Downpatrick is the second oldest racecourse in Ireland, having been formed in 1685 by Royal Charter granted by James II. (CL)