Superintendent Eddie Golden says road racing is illegal and urges real time reporting

Gardaí in Tipperary are stepping up appeals for the public to report illegal sulky racing, as fresh videos continue to surface online showing horses and drivers moving at speed on public roads across the county. The images have prompted renewed debate about the practice and have fuelled frustration among some residents who believe enforcement has been too limited.

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Local officers acknowledge that the footage circulating on social media has heightened concern. Some members of the public have been vocal in questioning what they see as a lack of visible action on the ground. Gardaí say the perception of inactivity often arises because interventions depend on timely information rather than online recordings that appear long after the event.

Superintendent Eddie Golden has underlined that sulky racing on public roads remains illegal. He warns that the activity poses clear risks, placing the drivers involved in harm’s way and creating dangers for other road users. He also emphasises the welfare concerns for the horses that are pushed to race in such conditions.

Despite the online visibility of the events, Superintendent Golden stresses that Gardaí require direct reports from the public if they are to respond effectively. Without real time information, he says, it becomes difficult for officers to intervene or prevent further incidents. Public assistance, he adds, is essential if the force is to address the issue in a meaningful way.

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