Brian Kavanagh | Horse Racing Free Tips

Brian Kavanagh To Depart HRI

Brian Kavanagh, the first chief executive officer of Horse Racing Ireland appointed in 2001, will conclude his term with the organization at the end of his contract in September. HRI, the commercial semi-state body responsible for the overall governance, development, promotion and administration of thoroughbred racing in Ireland, will begin a recruitment campaign on Friday for the role of CEO.

Nicky Hartery, chairman of Horse Racing Ireland, said, “I would like to thank Brian Kavanagh for 20 years of incredible service and deep commitment to Horse Racing Ireland and to the industry in Ireland. Brian was the first CEO of Horse Racing Ireland when appointed in 2001, and during his time he has played a huge role in Irish racing and breeding, enabling it to become a leader on the global stage while domestically overseeing the growth of a vital rural-based industry. His knowledge and expertise, at home and abroad, will no doubt ensure that Brian will continue to play a significant part in the industry, and we wish him well.”

Kavanagh said, “It has been a privilege to serve as Chief Executive of Horse Racing Ireland and to work under three different chairmen who each promoted a strategic vision for the Irish horse racing and breeding industries. It is a sector full of variety and of really talented people and I have nothing but good memories of the projects and people that I have dealt with on the way. I would like to pay particular tribute to the board members and staff of Horse Racing Ireland, past and present, whose commitment and dedication to the improvement of the industry has been a constant during my time as chief executive.

“Last week was a good week for racing, but we cannot rest on our laurels and there is much work to do between now and September. While Brexit and Covid-19 are currently providing significant challenges, there are wonderful opportunities facing the sector also. Our horses and our people are our greatest strength.”

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HRI Announces IRE Incentive Scheme

The IRE Incentive Scheme, which sets out to stimulate and fortify Irish Thoroughbred breeding, racing and sales, has been launched by Horse Racing Ireland (HRI).

The scheme will award a bonus of €10,000 to any owner of Irish-bred winners of 150 selected races across the Irish Flat and National Hunt programmes which may then be redeemed at bloodstock auctions in Ireland.

The first nominated race takes place Friday at Dundalk. Qualifying races will include 2-year-old fillies' maidens; 2-year-old auction maidens and median auction races; 3-year-old median auction maidens; and National Hunt auction races.

The owners of eligible winners–which include the (Ire) suffix and are Foal Levy compliant–will have until the end of the following year to redeem their voucher at any Irish-based sale, with the stipulation that their purchase must also be Irish-bred.

“The racing and bloodstock industry in Ireland has faced unprecedented and simultaneous challenges in the past year in the form of COVID-19 and Brexit, and the storm cannot be weathered by inactivity,” said Brian Kavanagh, chief executive of HRI.

“We believe the IRE Incentive will deliver a strong stimulus to the business, delivering significant funds from the racetrack back to the breeders via Irish-based public auctions.

“We have seen on a regular basis–most recently at Cheltenham–the quality of horses bred in Ireland and their performances on racing's biggest stages.”

John McEnery, chairman of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association, said: “Events last week at Cheltenham showed just how desirable and formidable the Irish thoroughbred is. But standing still should never be an option from a position of strength. and we commend the investment, motivation and principles behind the IRE Incentive.”

Click here for additional information on the IRE Incentive.

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Irish-Trained Horses/Jockeys Will Not Compete in UK Due to Travel Ban

Following the news that the Irish Government has banned UK travel, no Irish-trained horses or Irish jockeys will compete in the UK through Dec. 31, Horse Racing Ireland announced on Tuesday. The travel ban will expire on New Year’s Eve. In addition, declarations for UK-trained horses to race in Ireland will not be accepted during that time frame.

“The concern from Government is very clear: these are exceptional times and a travel ban with the UK is a once-in-a-generation occurrence,” said Horse Racing Ireland Chief Executive Brian Kavanagh. “Irish racing has followed Government advice at all times during COVID-19 and will continue to do so. In that regard, we are advising that no Irish-trained horses or jockeys should travel to the UK for competition between now and Dec. 31, and no UK horses or jockeys should travel in the opposite direction.”

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HRI Releases 2021 Budget

Horse Racing Ireland’s 2021 budget has been approved, with measures to combat the threats of COVID-19 and Brexit key among the priorities.

Brian Kavanagh, chief executive of Horse Racing Ireland, said, “The HRI budget for 2021 is set in the context of two lifetime challenges hitting the sector simultaneously and the priority is to shield the industry from the impacts of both Covid-19 and Brexit, while being cognisant of the welfare of our horses and the people that work with them. Thanks to the effort of many, the finances of Horse Racing Ireland are stable as we come to the end of one of the most challenging years any of us will ever face. The Board wishes to acknowledge the effort and sacrifices made within the industry this year and is pleased to announce a progressive budget for 2021 which is aimed at giving some clarity in an uncertain environment.

“In framing its budget, HRI is following the key objectives set out in our Strategic Plan for the industry 2020-2024 which was launched earlier this year. The quality of the Irish racing and breeding product remains strong and, working within our plan, I am confident that we can put 2020 behind us and look forward with some optimism.”

Budgeted prizemoney for 2021 is €60.7-million, with the return of minimum prizemoney levels to €10,000 a priority. Fourteen extra fixtures have already been announced, taking the overall total to 384.

The budget also includes government funding toward the redevelopment of the Irish Equine Centre in Johnstown, Co. Kildare. This project will ensure the highest possible standards of disease prevention and surveillance within the industry. The budget also makes provisions for an all-weather track at Tipperary and a new racecourse grant scheme to enhance stable yard capacities. HRI noted it will work with racecourses in 2021 on a case-by-case basis to assist them with mitigating the impact of COVID-19. Budget provision has also been made for a national awareness campaign for the safe return to race-going when appropriate.

The board has approved €14-million for integrity and racecourse services, and €1.3-million to support breeders and the sale of Irish-bred horses in light of the double threats of COVID and Brexit.

Kavanagh continued, “2020 was a year when prudence with the industry’s finances was an absolute necessity and the resilience of our sector enabled many to get through the year. That said, 2020 was anything but normal and the spectacle of high quality racing in front of empty stands was a depressingly familiar sight. Regrettably this new normal will continue to be the theme as we head into 2021, although recent developments regarding vaccines and travel do allow some cause for optimism regarding a safe return to more normal activity.

“The allocations in Budget 2021 have been guided by the HRI Strategic Plan for the industry with growth in fixtures and prize money targeting increased participation in the sector. HRI will ensure that our prize money remains internationally competitive and we will announce a new scheme in early 2021 to provide financial support to the breeding industry and assist Irish vendors in the post Brexit environment. The Irish Tote alliance with the UK Tote Group will commence from 1st January 2021 following the issue of a new seven-year Tote licence by the Government in October, while the latest phase of redevelopment of Leopardstown has just been completed, although unfortunately we will not be able to showcase it to the public at the forthcoming Christmas Festival.”

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