HRI's 2019 Budget Announced

Horse Racing Ireland (HRI)'s budget for 2019, approved at its Board meeting Monday, Dec. 10, prioritises racecourse capital development, prizemoney, integrity and equine welfare, industry training and education, broadening the interest of the sport, and point-to-points.

Prizemoney will rise by €2.9 million, to a figure of €66.1 million, with the additional commitment spread across some of Ireland's big racing festivals as well as increases to feature races at 20 of Ireland's Grade 2 and Grade 3 racetracks. The opening of the redeveloped Curragh Racecourse will see prizemoney increases for some of its feature races in 2019.

Equine welfare and employee development are two priorities in the budget, with new lifetime traceability for Thoroughbreds to be introduced for the 2019 foal crop.

Next year, HRI will be working closely with Government and with industry stakeholders to advance the development of a state-of-the-art Irish Equine Centre in Johnstown, County Kildare. An industry-wide graduate programme is among the measures funded to assist those seeking to work in the industry and those seeking employees.

2019 will also see Irish racing embark on a television advertising campaign for the first time in over a decade.

Brian Kavanagh, Chief Executive of Horse Racing Ireland, said:

“While there is much to look forward to for Irish racing in 2019, there are headwinds also, not least with Brexit. In 2019, HRI will therefore invest in areas which will deliver sustainable growth for the industry.

The completion of the Curragh redevelopment will give Irish flat racing the flagship it deserves and the new facilities will bear favourable comparison with other international racecourses.

The challenge of Brexit is substantial and the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union in March will leave Ireland more isolated. It is important therefore to ensure that Irish prizemoney is competitive internationally and increases have been spread throughout the country.”