‘sup?
Summer, 1966.
Tolka Park, Richmond Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 3.
Anagslogs Daughter writes:
Arkle [following a third Cheltenham Gold Cup victory in a row] having a gallop around the home of Shelbourne FC…
Sponsored Link
Everything. As It Happens.
good footwork for a tall fella
real ollie byrne signing
I remember being told that old Irish half crown , it featured a horse, was profitable sold as an Arkle commenderive coin to susceptible English racing , probably more fanciful than truthful
English racing fans
They think it’s all over…?
A fortnight ago, it was predicted that there would be an upsurge in Covid cases two weeks later, arising from the 20,000+ Irish visitors who went over to Cheltenham.
Various media outlets on both sides of the Irish Sea have reported cases of Covid now confirmed among the racegoers – while yesterday the mortality rate in Ireland doubled. Rest in peace to those departed, and thoughts and sympathies with their bereaved relatives.
It was astonishing to see Horse Racing Ireland continue their events behind closed doors until government direction earlier this week. If ever there was a essential sector, this is not it.
As with most people, most of the time I largely ignore horses, other than the occasional day out for fun.
However, the selfish recent behaviour of the horse racers and attendees leads to reconsideration.
This supposed ‘sport of kings’ is built on the misery of many, and often people in poverty.
Most industries produce useful produce. Yet this activity takes out of useful production some of the best land for agricultural production in this country. Just so a descendant of Byerley, Darley, or Godolphin can trot around to amuse an owner occasionally.
Notably, a number of these owners are non-domicile for tax purposes. Labour conditions in many instances appear to be medieval, with pay paltry for many if not most.
On the back of this, gambling companies rake it in – with stock prices higher than bank shares ever were. Meanwhile Irish people are understood to be the second largest losers per capita to betting firms.
Over the last few years, it has emerged that the Irish state has been giving circa €70 – €80 million per annum by way of grants to fund this sector.
The state needs to totally reappraise its relationship with this sector: Time to tax, rather than giving grants.
Arkle was the stuff of legend!