Jockeys from overseas are set to be permitted to compete in Group One races in Ireland following government changes to self-isolation rules for sportspeople.
A 14-day self-isolation period had been required for riders travelling from the UK and Horse Racing Ireland have successfully sought an exemption from that quarantine for elite athletes from the government.
The decision comes only one week out from the start of the Longines Irish Champions Weekend and it will allow Ryan Moore to compete at Haydock this weekend before travelling to Ireland to ride a number of fancied horses for Aidan O'Brien next week.
"We have had a change in the Government protocols concerning sportspeople and athletes published today, but it is very much on a case-by-case basis," HRI chief Brian Kavanagh said of the change.
"It will be limited to a small number of riders and only for Group One races.
"Jockeys travelling to ride would be at the lower end of the risk scale as they are operating in secure environments, but it will be on a case-by-case basis.
"Each application will be risk assessed by the medical officer, with risks around contact in travel managed and health checks both before and after."
