Whether it is an obsession or a leisurely day out at the races, horse racing and horses have played a small or an ever-consuming part in much of our lives. Simply paying into a race meeting right up to the top levels of paying six figures for a horse at an auction the sport holds a special place in the Irish psyche, this article will examine the Irish connection to the sport and why the green isle holds this sport in such high regard.

The horse has had a long history with our ancestral roots, from the famine era of the horse and cart being the sole form of transport for the majority of the population right up to the modern era where the horse is a hobby for many, a livelihood for others and a great spectacle for the general public when looking at meetings such as Cheltenham, Aintree, Punchestown etc. From the grassroots of point-to-point racing, the love for the sport and the animal is seen in every village and town throughout the country, on a daily basis in rural Ireland seeing riders on a leisurely hack, jockey on the gallops etc.

We as a nation owe the horse much and it is fitting the Grassroots Gazette is paying homage to the creature through various angles and all the joy this four-legged creatures gives to many in various spheres including racing, eventing, hunting, a day out at the races, earning potential etc.

The horse has paid the ultimate price in world wars down the years, and still unfortunately today in the sport we know and love Horse Racing. The likes of tiger roll have captured a nations heart, the small horse with a big heart, the horse that many have written off but has become the comeback king. Apples Jade, Honey Suckle, Red Rum, the modern day to the past the sport has held many a fond memory with many. The thrill of the final hurdle as per the HRI advert, the roar of the crowd, the favourite romping home or not, reviewing the horses in parade ring prior to the off, it is amazing how the animal can bring so much joy to the public.

We owe it to the horse to keep pushing policy makers at Governmental level to keep backing the sport and strive for the betterment of the sport on a daily basis. Horse Racing is such a major industry to the country both in a direct and indirect level. Christmas racing festivals, Grand nationals are all a date for many family’s diaries in Ireland . Tiger Roll resonated with all areas of society, the comeback in Cheltenham winning the cross country resonated with many who felt anxious/worried in the middle of a pandemic and brough light relief to many and some noted they got the fight back in their own personal lives. Live it and breath it, a way of life, or simply a day out , we all have some connection with the sport and animal .