Challenges & Solutions: Brian Kavanagh

As part of an ongoing series, the TDN caught up with Brian Kavanagh of Horse Racing Ireland to discuss some challenges facing the racing industry, and how they can be tackled.

What is the most pressing problem that needs to be tackled in racing, and how would you solve it?

BK: There are a number of pressing problems facing racing worldwide at the moment, but the single most important one is to cultivate and develop the ownership base for racing. For me it all comes down to owners and if people are not prepared to spend money to have horses in training, then we are all out of business. Ownership in Ireland took a big drop during the economic crash, but fortunately it is now showing an increase. The trend whereby breeders seem to produce horses for the sales ring as much as for the race track is worrying and it is incumbent on racing authorities worldwide to put on varied and valuable programmes which will encourage people to have and keep horses in training.

The reality is that most people are likely to lose money having a horse in training so racing authorities, racecourses, trainers and everybody involved must ensure that owners have a good time and are treated the best. Reducing administrative bureaucracy, improving facilities on race tracks and better communication from trainers are all important, however for me the most important incentive for owners must be prize money and the opportunity to recover as high a proportion of their outlay as possible. We have made prize money and the quality of race programme a priority in Ireland and 10% of our races are black-type races.

Owning racehorses is a thrilling experience and we have all seen the most successful business people and world leaders beside themselves with joy because their horse has finished with its nose in front. To transmit and promote that joy as widely as possible and to encourage people to “chase the dream” is in my opinion, one of the biggest challenges that we all face.

How would you introduce a newcomer to the racing/breeding industry?

BK: If I were to introduce a newcomer to the racing industry in Ireland, I would bring them to the final fence at Punchestown or to the furlong marker at The Curragh, so that they get right up close to these magnificent animals and to see the power, agility and speed at which they compete and the skills and bravery of the jockeys who are riding them. I would then bring them behind the scenes to a trainer's yard in the early morning to see what goes on “back of house”, which is always fascinating and helps people fall in love with the game.

To introduce a newcomer to the breeding industry, I would bring them to watch the birth and first moments of a new foal which could not help but stir a passion to get involved. I would explain to them the history of the thoroughbred and the lineage which is being continued by the foal in front of them and that this stumbling creature has the potential to be the next great champion, racing on some of the great racecourses of the world two or three years hence.

 

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