RACING: Ireland's racetracks are awaiting details from the Department of Health about the extent of smoking restrictions at racecourses under the new legislation.

The Turf Club will be responsible for the weigh room areas at racetracks where smoking will no longer be permitted from March 29th.

However, everywhere else will be the responsibility of the racecourses and they could be the ones picking up any €3,000 fine for infringements of the new law on smoking in the workplace.

"We have advised all our courses to talk to their caterers and bar operators about complying with the legislation, and that unless all reasonable efforts are taken then they are not safe from prosecution," the chief executive of the Association of Irish Racecourses, Paddy Walsh, said yesterday.

"We have also been in touch with the Department, but they haven't yet been able to definitely say what is required from us. However, we have told racecourse proprietors and managers to be aware of the situation. In the event of unruly customers then we have advised that the guards should be called," he added.

The Turf Club is also awaiting clarification about the regulations but indicated yesterday it will be responsible for the weigh room area, including the jockeys' room.