Horse Racing Ireland

Navan Races in September 2007

Horse Racing Ireland (HRI; Irish: Rásaíocht Capaill na hÉireann) is the governing body of horse racing on the island of Ireland. It is based in the Curragh, County Kildare, next to the racecourse of that name. HRI was founded in 2001, succeeding the Irish Horseracing Authority, itself the 1994 successor to the Racing Board founded in 1945.[1]

HRI's mission statement is "to develop and promote Ireland as a world centre of excellence for horse racing and breeding". Like most other sports, horse racing is run on an All-Ireland basis, so HRI is responsible for racing in both the Republic of Ireland, which has 24 racecourses, and Northern Ireland, which has two racecourses. The remit of the British Horseracing Authority does not extend to Northern Ireland.

In April 2020 the then-CEO of HRI, Brian Kavanagh, said that with the benefit of hindsight the 2020 Cheltenham Festival should not have taken place or should have been held behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[2]

Business

HRI funds the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board, which enforces the rules of racing, including doping control, handicapping and licensing.[3]

In addition to fulfilling regulatory and promotional functions, HRI owns Fairyhouse, Leopardstown, Navan and Tipperary racecourses. The group's chairperson since May 2018 has been Nicky Hartery[4] and its CEO is Suzanne Eade, who succeeded Brian Kavanagh in September 2021.[5]

The industry contributes significantly to the Irish economy. Figures released by HRI showed that bloodstock sales, Tote betting and racecourse attendances produced significant growth in 2011, marking a positive upturn for the industry which had suffered severe contraction since 2007 across almost all areas.[6] In 2004 this contribution was estimated to be in the region of €330 million.[7]

References

  1. ^ About Us Irish Horseracing Authority
  2. ^ Cooney, Gavin (29 April 2020). "Irish horse racing chief says Cheltenham festival should probably not have taken place". The42.ie. Retrieved 29 April 2020.
  3. ^ "HRB Opening Statement Public Accounts Committee". IHRB. 29 June 2024.
  4. ^ Forristal, Richard (24 May 2018). "Stud owner Nicky Hartery appointed new chairman of Horse Racing Ireland". Racing Post. Retrieved 20 March 2020.
  5. ^ Sheerin, Brian. "Suzanne Eade wins the race to become new Horse Racing Ireland boss" (5 July 2021). Racing Post. Retrieved 5 July 2021.
  6. ^ "Horse Racing Ireland issues 2011 industry statictics". GoRacing.ie. Horse Racing Ireland. 16 January 2011. Archived from the original on 15 February 2012. Retrieved 16 January 2011.
  7. ^ "O'Donoghue receives Report on Economic Value of the Horse Racing and Bloodstock Breeding Industry". Press release. Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism. 21 July 2004. Archived from the original on 14 June 2011. Retrieved 26 January 2010.