Ireland's horse jockey trainee centre is at no risk of closing despite its on-campus residential units being temporarily shut after a safety audit, its interim chief executive has said.
Darren Lawlor of the Racing Academy and Centre for Education (RACE) in the Curragh, Co Kildare, said the organisation's apprentice academy scheme continues.
Concerns have been raised over the facility in recent weeks due to the decision to temporarily close its on-campus residential unit due to issues highlighted in a recent safety audit.
However, speaking to RTÉ News, Mr Lawlor said the facility itself is continuing to operate and is in no danger of closing.
Mr Lawlor said the only change to the facility's operations will be that trainee jockeys are being asked to attend on campus for training before returning to their homes every evening.
He said due to the residential unit issues, trainee jockeys may be brought in on two separate phased catchments.
"Just over a week ago some operational matters on site needed to be prioritised in order to make the residential areas of the site safe, and as such a decision has been taken to temporarily close the residential facilities pending the remedial measures that will be required," Mr Lawlor said.
"Alternative accommodation has been sourced for those who were in on-site residential accommodation.
"It is important to note that industry and non-residential programmes continue at RACE, including all of the programmes which support the licensing requirements from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board.
"Operational areas remain open, including the barn, and all horses are still on site and being cared for.
"This weekend will see over 50 applicants on site for trials for various trainee programmes that RACE provides to the industry.
"Work on the future model for RACE, and how RACE will deliver the future educational, training and industry requirements for the thoroughbred sector, is underway, and all participants and stakeholders will be involved in that work."
