Horse Racing Ireland | 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.”

The post Brian Kavanagh To Depart HRI appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

McGarry To Succeed Killeen at Navan

Aidan McGarry will succeed Peter Killeen as the general manager of Navan Racecourse, Horse Racing Ireland announced Wednesday.

Killeen is retiring next week following a career that spanned 40 years in Irish racing. Having joined the Racing Board in 1980, he was involved in the introduction of the Computote betting system adopted by the Tote in the late 80s and was instrumental in the introduction of more recent advances in on-course Tote betting and technology.

Killeen was appointed manager of Tote Ireland operations in 1999 and held that position for 15 years before taking on the role of Navan general manager. He is to remain as an independent director on the board of the Association of Irish Racecourses (AIR).

“It's hard to believe that it's 40 years since I walked through the doors of the Racing Board's offices on Merrion Square, it really does feel like only yesterday,” Killeen reflected. “My first role was preparing the perforated Tote tickets that some people might remember!

“Perhaps people today might shudder at the thought of staying within a specific industry for such a time, but it afforded me opportunities to work in a variety of roles as the industry changed and adapted over the years. I've been very lucky in all that time, I worked with so many great people and many more great characters! Thanks to them all.

“I'm delighted with Aidan's appointment and I know that he will be a great addition to what is a fantastic team at Navan.”

McGarry, who has held a number of managerial roles within Horse Racing Ireland and Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, will assume his new role Mar. 29.

He said: “I can't thank Peter Killeen enough for the help and guidance he has given me as I prepare for this exciting new challenge. Navan is renowned as a top-class racecourse and the strength of the racing programme, both National Hunt and Flat, is a particular draw for me. I'm joining a great team and am very much looking forward to working with everyone at Navan.”

The post McGarry To Succeed Killeen at Navan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

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.

The post HRI Announces IRE Incentive Scheme appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

GAIN to Sponsor The Advantage Series

GAIN Equine Nutrition will sponsor a new race series, The Advantage Series, for the Irish Flat Season, Horse Racing Ireland announced on Tuesday.

Launched with Ado McGuinness Racing, the eight part series of races will be run for points over a variety of conditions to cater to different trainers and horses throughout the season. For each race, there will be a 40% prizemoney boost. A grand prize of €5,000 worth of GAIN Equine Nutrition products will be awarded to the trainer who tops the GAIN The Advantage Series at the end of the season.

The series will begin on Classic Trials Day at Leopardstown on Apr. 11, and then move to Cork, Navan, Ballinrobe, Fairyhouse, Tipperary, The Curragh and end at Naas on Oct. 17, where the overall winning trainer of the series will be determined. There will be a drawing for grooms only for a three-night luxury stay at The Alex Hotel in Dublin supported by The Alex. In addition, the winning breeder of each race will receive a framed photo of the winning horse and will be entered into a drawing to win one tonne of GAIN Equine Nutrition products. For more details on the series, please visit www.hri.ie.com.

Joanne Hurley, GAIN Equine Nutrition, Irish Country Manager, said, “The team at GAIN are really excited to launch the GAIN The Advantage Series. Thoroughbred racing and breeding customers are a key part of our business and we are delighted that we can support so much of the industry through this series that travels right around the country. The stable staff are often the lesser-known connections of the horse, but an equally important element to a racehorse's success and it is fantastic that we can reward them through this series also.”

The post GAIN to Sponsor The Advantage Series appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post