There was a positive reaction from senior officials in the racing and breeding industry last week when it was learned that current customs arrangements between Britain and the European Union are likely to remain in place after Britain formerly leaves the EU in March.

Westminster officials have published a ‘backstop’ or ‘safety net’ proposal which would basically maintain the status quo with all of Britain’s borders “until at least 2021” in the event of no agreed solution being found in time.

This has yet to be agreed to by the EU but represents a softening in Britain’s initial stance.

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Shane O’Dwyer, CEO of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, said: “Britain’s racing and breeding industry realises it is very reliant on Ireland and France. You can see that every day and, to be fair, the British have given us their full support and co-operation in putting together a ‘High Health Status’ [HHS] document for horses which will replace the Tripartite Agreement between the three countries.”

If approved by the EU, it is envisaged that the HHS will facilitate the movement of elite horses – both thoroughbred and sport horse breeds – between EU countries and ‘third’ countries, such as post-Brexit Britain.

In the shorter term, Goffs CEO Henry Beeby believes this week’s Land Rover Sale will benefit from this latest Brexit news. “Any clarity on anything Brexit-related is a positive,” he said. “The uncertainty is what’s causing so much angst.”