HRI

GAIN Equine Nutrition will sponsor a new race series, The Advantage Series, for the Irish Flat Season, Horse Racing Ireland announced on Tuesday. Launched with Ado McGuinness Racing, the eight part series of races will be run for points over a variety of conditions to cater to different trainers and horses throughout the season. For each race, there will be a 40% prizemoney boost. A grand prize of €5,000 worth of GAIN Equine Nutrition products will be awarded to the trainer who tops the GAIN The Advantage Series at the...

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board can gain access to and test-by blood, hair or urine sample--every Thoroughbred in the country, on licensed or unlicensed premises, without notice after being granted Authorised Officer status by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The announcement was part of a wide range of new measures and funding unveiled on Friday as part of Irish racing's anti-doping strategy. These also include the announcement of the planned development of a whole-of-life Thoroughbred traceability system, including 30-day foal notifications; the issuing of e-passports, beginning with...

The Irish Government's Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine has released updated advice for horse movement through Great Britain beginning on New Year's Day, Horse Racing Ireland announced on Thursday. The new guidelines are intended for those transporting horses and the Trader Notice, which outlines procedures for export certification to Britain from Jan. 1, as well as information on movements to and from France and Northern Ireland, may be accessed here. The new guidelines are summarized as follows for each equine exporter from Ireland to Great Britain: Register with DAFM....

Together for Racing International (TfRI)-- a global alliance to promote and progress education, community engagement, and career opportunities in the Thoroughbred industry-has launched. TfRI is a product of a 2019 education forum--hosted by Godolphin in Newmarket, U.K.--uniting Thoroughbred breeding, racing, and education professionals from six countries who addressed challenges to inclusion, attracting newcomers, supporting education, and workforce enrichment. "There is such a vast array of positive initiatives happening in the horse racing industry around the world," said Annise Montplaisir, TfRI Project Manager. "But awareness is key, and unless we publicize...

Reciprocal arrangements on participation by runners trained in international jurisdictions were announced jointly by the British Horseracing Authority and Horse Racing Ireland on Monday. Beginning on Oct. 1, internationally-trained horses will be permitted to participate in all British races other than Class 5 and 6 handicaps/classified stakes on the Flat and Class 5 handicaps over Jumps. All such runners will be subject to the relevant government regulations. The same arrangements will also be introduced in Ireland on Oct. 1. The Irish Rules of Racing will continue to state that "a...

The Irish EBF has increased its contribution to prizemoney to €2.5-million for 2020, its highest-ever contribution since its establishment in 1983. The Irish EBF is working closely with Horse Racing Ireland to support the restart of racing on June 8 by ensuring all funds--including those not distributed during the suspension of racing--are allocated and the remaining prizemoney is assigned with a focus on grassroots races throughout the rest of the year. John O'Connor, chairman of the Irish EBF, said, "Prizemoney is the lifeblood of racing and supports owners, trainers, jockeys...

Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) has confirmed that it has been given the green light by government for racing to resume from Monday, June 8. Early on Friday afternoon, Fine Gael politician Peter Burke stated on Twitter, "Horse Racing to return behind closed doors with strict protocols from June 8th. Much needed certainty for the sector." HRI later issued a statement in support of this which read, "Horse Racing Ireland today welcomed the confirmation from the Government that race fixtures in Ireland can resume behind closed doors on June 8. Only...

An online auction promoted and managed by Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) raised €50,000 for the Feed The Heroes, a not-for-profit voluntary organisation set up to feed frontline hospital and emergency workers dealing with the Covid-19 health emergency. The auction generated €31,158, and the HRI donated the balance to reach the final total of €50,000. The 36 auction items included a Galway Festival course walk with Ruby Walsh, corporate hospitality at Longines Irish Champions Weekend, signed Al Boum Photo silks and a yard visit to Ger Lyons. The top lot was...

Horse Racing Ireland's (HRI) Industry Education and Training Department have co-ordinated a variety of platforms and services to support the racing industry while racing is suspended due to COVID-19. Among services funded by HRI: Industry Assistance Programme (IAP), offering free access to trained counsellors, psychotherapists and information specialists who provide emotional support.  www.workinracing.ie/industry-welfare/industry-assistance-programme/ Providing horsemen with a COVID-19 business continuity planning best practices information. Sports psychology and other support for jockeys/apprentices, through the 'The Jockey Pathway' workinracing.ie/jockey-pathway/ HRI's Industry Education and Training Department COVID-19 FAQ for employers, available at https://www.workinracing.ie/....

Horse Racing Ireland Chairman Nicky Hartery admits the sport possibly faces its "greatest challenge" after the decision was taken to suspend racing until the middle of April. Ireland had been racing behind closed doors since Mar. 13 as countries around the world battle to stop the spread of coronavirus. However, on Tuesday the Irish Government announced it was cancelling all sports events, even those without spectators, until at least Apr. 19--leaving the HRI board to assess the implications at a meeting on Wednesday. Hartery said, "What is most important is...

Irish horse racing has been given the go-ahead to continue behind closed doors with "greater restrictions" and without any overseas runners. Citing the need to maintain income and employment for people working in the industry, the board of Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) came to the decision during a meeting on Wednesday afternoon. "These are unprecedented and sombre times and we are seeking the best ways to support the racing community and industry throughout what lies ahead," said Nicky Hartery, chairman of Horse Racing Ireland. "Health and welfare of employees and...

A total of six new members have been appointed to the 14-strong Racegoers' Consultative Forum (RCF), Horse Racing Ireland announced on Monday. The six new forum members are: Eugene Kelly (North East and Northern Ireland region); Steven McGuinness (Northern Ireland); Tom Galway and Mark McGrath (South East); and student representatives Heather Downey and Kara Gabbett. Meeting quarterly and providing formal reports from the racecourses under their jurisdiction, forum members represent racegoers and bring ideas and feedback to HRI senior executives to improve the race going experience. They will serve 3-year...