Horse Racing Ireland

The value of the second running of the Irish EBF Ballyhane S. has been increased from €200,000 to €300,000, the Irish European Breeders' Fund, Ballyhane Stud and Horse Racing Ireland announced on Monday. The median auction race is now the most valuable 2-year-old race that will be held in Ireland in 2021, with the race aimed at EBF eligible 2-year-olds with a sire's median price of no more than €75,000 from last year's yearling sales. It will be conducted over five furlongs and 205 yards at Naas Racecourse on Bank...

Following Irish trainer Jim Bolger voicing his concerns on doping in Irish racing this past weekend, a strong statement against doping was issued by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Monday evening. The statement read: "Following comments made recently, the IHRB can once again stress there is a zero-tolerance approach to doping in Irish racing and we operate to the highest level using LGC Laboratories in Newmarket, who are one of five International Federation Horseracing Authorities certified laboratories in the world, and the same laboratory used by the British Horseracing...

Brian Kavanagh, whose 20-year tenure as chief executive officer of Horse Racing Ireland comes to an end upon the conclusion of his latest term in September, will in November take up the role of chief executive officer of The Curragh. Kavanagh takes over from Pat Keogh, who has been in the role since July of 2019. Padraig McManus, chairman of the board of The Curragh, said, "The board are looking forward to welcoming Brian into his new role as CEO of The Curragh Racecourse and training grounds, and look forward...

Owners will once again be welcome at Irish racecourses from June 7, Horse Racing Ireland announced on Wednesday. The news follows on the heels of the Irish Government announcement that up to 200 people can attend outdoor events from next Monday. The last time owners were permitted on racecourses in Ireland was in September of 2020. Two owners per horse will be allowed to attend. There will be designated areas for owners to meet their trainers and jockeys at each track, while winning owners will be permitted to enter the...

The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby meeting on June 26 is expected to be the first racing fixture in the country to welcome up to 1,000 fans, the Taoiseach Micheal Martin confirmed Friday evening. Horse owners are expected to be allowed on course beginning June 7. The Irish Field was first to report the news. "We expect to be in a position to welcome owners back on track with effect from June 7," HRI Chief Executive Brian Kavanagh told the publication. "This would be a brilliant outcome as owners have...

Following the abandonment of Gowran Park's Wednesday meeting, a replacement fixture has been scheduled at that venue for June 14, Horse Racing Ireland announced on Thursday. Entries for the afternoon meeting will close at noon on June 9, with declarations to be made by 10 a.m. on June 12. The first post will begin at 1:45 p.m.

Following a nationwide poll, interest in horse racing in Ireland has increased, Horse Racing Ireland announced on Wednesday. A poll of over 1,000 people, conducted by the Red C research company between Feb. 8-Feb. 15, aimed at understanding the adult population's attitudes toward horse racing. The results are as follows: In 2021, 39% of the population have an interest in horse racing versus 23% last year A total of 85% of racing fans are missing attending race meetings 19% of racing fans plan to attend more race meetings than previously...

RTE Sport and Horse Racing Ireland have agreed to a three-year broadcasting deal that will deliver a record 31 free-to-air live racing days in Ireland. The live racing broadcast days will rise to 32 in 2022 and 2023. Declan McBennett, group head of sport at RTE, said, "Horse racing is an integral part of the RTE Sport offering, and we are delighted to extend our partnership with Horse Racing Ireland and the racecourses. The trainers and jockeys in particular have proven repeatedly that they are at the very forefront of...

A phased and limited reintroduction of Irish point-to-points will begin on Apr. 10. The point-to-point season had been suspended on Jan. 13 in light of coronavirus restrictions. Horse Racing Ireland and the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board will assist in ensuring that these fixtures are staged in a safe and controlled manner, based on the health and safety protocols which have been applied at race meetings. Four fixtures have been confirmed-Cork on Apr. 10, Tipperary on Apr. 11 and Fairyhouse on Apr. 17 and 18. Only essential staff will be authorised...

Brian Kavanagh, the first chief executive officer of Horse Racing Ireland appointed in 2001, will conclude his term with the organization at the end of his contract in September. HRI, the commercial semi-state body responsible for the overall governance, development, promotion and administration of thoroughbred racing in Ireland, will begin a recruitment campaign on Friday for the role of CEO. Nicky Hartery, chairman of Horse Racing Ireland, said, "I would like to thank Brian Kavanagh for 20 years of incredible service and deep commitment to Horse Racing Ireland and to...

Aidan McGarry will succeed Peter Killeen as the general manager of Navan Racecourse, Horse Racing Ireland announced Wednesday. Killeen is retiring next week following a career that spanned 40 years in Irish racing. Having joined the Racing Board in 1980, he was involved in the introduction of the Computote betting system adopted by the Tote in the late 80s and was instrumental in the introduction of more recent advances in on-course Tote betting and technology. Killeen was appointed manager of Tote Ireland operations in 1999 and held that position for...

The IRE Incentive Scheme, which sets out to stimulate and fortify Irish Thoroughbred breeding, racing and sales, has been launched by Horse Racing Ireland (HRI). The scheme will award a bonus of €10,000 to any owner of Irish-bred winners of 150 selected races across the Irish Flat and National Hunt programmes which may then be redeemed at bloodstock auctions in Ireland. The first nominated race takes place Friday at Dundalk. Qualifying races will include 2-year-old fillies' maidens; 2-year-old auction maidens and median auction races; 3-year-old median auction maidens; and National...