RÁSAÍOCHT CON ÉIREANN (RCÉ) REGULATORY NOTICE
GRI
Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) wishes to advise, that following consultation with representatives of Industry Stakeholder Groups, and consideration of proposals by the Board of Rásaíocht Con Éireann, Owners and Trainers are advised of the below regulatory changes and implementation dates.
Breeders Incentive Payment
An incentivising support payment of €20,from winners’ prize money, will be made to breeders of greyhounds that win races (heats or finals of sweepstakes not included) up to and including the value of€1,999.
This new incentive will take effect from and including December 1st2026.
The existing arrangement with breeders’ incentive payments of 10% of a winner’s prize of €2,000 or more being paid to the breeder of such greyhounds remains unchanged.
Requirement for Novice greyhounds to run two races in advance of acceptance for racing in a sweepstake.
The grading provision of a greyhound requiring 2 races in advance of being accepted for a sweepstake will be maintained but that the ability to vary this provision, for more or less than 2 races is permitted in the circumstances where it is explicitly set out in the Conditions of the Sweepstake advertised for such sweepstakes.
This new grading provision will take effect from and including December 1st 2026.
Guarding of Greyhounds for Races.
Greyhounds registered in the same Ownership, or assigned to the same Licensed Trainer, will be permitted to race in the same races. This regulatory provision follows the removal of guarding provisions for owners in sweepstakes a number of years ago and will be reviewed further after a period of six months.
This new grading provision will take effect from and including December 1st 2026.
Grading Change to Open Novice 2 (ON2) Sprint Bands
The lower limit of the Novice 2 (ON2) grading band will be reduced by 15 spots for all sprint distances. The upper limit will remain unchanged.
For example, the current Open Novice 2 (ON2) for the 325 yard Sprint distance is 17.90 to 18.24.
The amending change to Open Novice 2 (ON2) for the 325 yard Sprint distance will read 17.75 to 18.24 for the 325 yard distance. Other Open Novice 2 (ON2) sprint distances will also be amended accordingly.
This new grading provision will take effect from and including January 1st 2027.
Rásaíocht Con Éireann