Paddy Walsh

Paul Hensey has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Irish Racecourses (AIR) and begins his role later this month. He will replace Paddy Walsh, who is retiring after over two decades in the position, on Mar. 31. Hensey was most recently the Chief Operating Officer of Al Shaqab Racing, and he also worked with the Turf Club for six years. Previously, he also spent almost 15 years managing the Curragh Racecourse and training grounds and was also a member of AIR. He served two...

Paddy Walsh, the chief executive of the Association of Irish Racecourses, is to step down from his role early next year after two decades at the held. AIR is an independent, not-for-profit entity which represents those who own and operate Ireland's 26 racecourses. He will retire in March 2023. He said, "I will be officially retiring on March 31, 2023. In the interim, there are a few months of important work ahead of us. In order to find the best possible candidate for the position, we have decided to make...

Paddy Walsh, chief executive officer of the Association of Irish Racecourses, has said his "members are frustrated" as tracks continue to be restricted to very limited crowds. While British racecourses are back at full capacity and other sports and sectors in Ireland are seeing restrictions eased, Irish racecourses remain limited to 500 patrons, with exceptions made to allow 1,000 at the Irish Derby meeting and the Galway Festival. Horse Racing Ireland is seeking exceptions to allow larger crowds at next month's Harvest Festival at Listowel and Irish Champions Weekend, and...