Fast Facts
Principal organisation: Horse Racing Ireland (HRI)
Racecourses: 26
Registered thoroughbred foal crop of 2022: 9,155
Thoroughbred racehorses in training: 10,208
Most famous race: Irish Derby , run in late June/early July
More information: Above figures taken from Horse Racing Ireland sources, including the Social and economic impact of Irish thoroughbred Breeding & Racing 2023
The likes of Horse Racing Ireland and Godolphin support local schools through Business in the Community (BITC) initiatives.
Godolphin Flying Start is a two-year, full-time management and leadership training programme that specialises in the international thoroughbred racing and breeding industry. It offers trainees the opportunity to gain experience in Ireland, where its head office is based, as well as the UK, US, Australia and Dubai.
An immersive experience that takes visitors through the lifecycle of a thoroughbred racehorse, including the opportunity to ‘race’ their horse using state-of-art simulation technology.
A platform where children can learn more about horses in a kid-friendly way.
An opportunity to build links between racecourses and their local communities and to encourage an affinity with horses among the younger generation.
An onsite programme for children aged 10-16 whose ambition is to become a jockey. No riding experience is required.
A purpose-built vehicle, complete with racehorse simulator, audio-visual equipment and marketing and promotional material. which enables RACE to engage young people across Ireland.
Long-standing links exist between RACE and Fettercairn Youth Horse Project (Dublin), Cherry Orchard Equine and Training Centre (Dublin) and the Moyross Youth Academy (Limerick). Read more about the Moyross Youth Academy and RACE urban equine project in this case study.
Third-level bursaries and scholarships are offered by many thoroughbred industry participants to support students in equine-related programmes, as well as young people from local communities who wish to pursue a discipline that’s not related to the industry.
The thoroughbred industry offers opportunities on the main Irish careers information portal.
Many thoroughbred industry organisations offer tours of their facilities to primary, secondary and tertiary level students.
These events take place at several Irish racecourses, including Leopardstown which attracts more than 10,000 students each year.
Many thoroughbred industry establishments facilitate work placements for second- and third-level students, and young people involved with urban equine organisations.
The From Foal to Race programme offered by Agri Aware and equuip gives TY students a comprehensive overview of the horseracing industry with a strong focus on increasing awareness of the careers that feature throughout the foal-to-race story.
During this 12-week (one-hour-per-week) programme, both teachers and students gain insight into the horseracing industry “From Foal to Race”, including the role of stud farms, animal welfare and other regulations.
The ITBA’s Junior Internship is available to secondary school students over 16 years of age. The aim is to link students up with a stud farm in their locality where they can gain work experience.
A unique opportunity to see some of the top trainers and their teams in action at home and at the races.
An annual charity hurling match between teams of horseracing professionals, sports stars and media personalities which has raised in excess of €1.5 million for The Irish Cancer Society since it began in 2012.
This unique event allows racing fans to go behind the scenes at many of the leading training yards, stud farms and world-class equine hospitals based on the famous Curragh plains.
An annual showcase for the Irish thoroughbred breeding industry, with stallion farms across the country opening their doors to breeders, racing professionals, and racing fans on two days in January each year.
Established in 2020, the Irish Thoroughbred Welfare Council has eight members from all parts of the thoroughbred industry. Its purpose is to advise the Horse Racing Ireland Board on matters of equine welfare.
The Irish thoroughbred industry strives to be a good neighbour and supports local communities by sharing its facilities with groups such as parkrun (Naas and Wexford racecourses).
In 2016, Ballinrobe became the official sponsor of the Ballinrobe senior Gaelic football team.
Equuip is the education and training department within Horse Racing Ireland (HRI). The equuip strategy has three areas of focus: working to attract new people to join the thoroughbred industry by showcasing available opportunities; developing people to grow their skills and industry careers; and supporting employers.
A comprehensive industry resource of good employment practices produced in conjunction with the Workplace Relations Commission. Learn more about the employment guide in this case study.
An opportunity for students to gain industry experience and be mentored by experienced professionals, enabling them to develop practical skills and a competitive edge for when they enter the jobs market.
Available to everyone who works in the Irish racing and breeding industry, the grant forms part of equuip’s commitment to providing access to employee education and training opportunities.
The aim of the course is to educate young people for a career in the thoroughbred industry, and many graduates have gone on to fulfilling roles in stud farms throughout the world, racehorse training, bloodstock sales, insurance and the media.
Located at the RACE Campus, the Irish School of Farriery provides structured training for farriery apprentices through an Advanced Certificate Craft – Farriery (Level 6 NVQ).
The ITBA Internship is a year long, fully paid internship offering two successful candidates invaluable experience working in three different industry areas for four months each.
Over 24 weeks, students will learn key skills required for a career in the thoroughbred industry and gain QQI Level 5 accredited certificates:
These awards recognise and reward the hard work and dedication of stud and stable staff, acknowledging the huge contribution they make to the Irish racing industry.
Horse Racing Ireland’s two-year graduate programme gives you the opportunity to gain experience across many aspects of the racing industry. The programme is broken down into streams, offering a rotational experience across different areas.
