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Paul Hensey Named New CEO Of The Association Of Irish Racecourses

Paul Hensey has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Irish Racecourses (AIR) and begins his role later this month. He will replace Paddy Walsh, who is retiring after over two decades in the position, on Mar. 31.

Hensey was most recently the Chief Operating Officer of Al Shaqab Racing, and he also worked with the Turf Club for six years. Previously, he also spent almost 15 years managing the Curragh Racecourse and training grounds and was also a member of AIR. He served two terms on the board of AIR during this time.

Conor O'Neill, Chairman of AIR, said, “Over the last few months, AIR has embarked on a competitive public recruitment process to find our incoming CEO. This extensive search was expertly handled on our behalf by Principal Connections–executive search who are part of Agilium Worldwide, LLC, one of the world's top global executive search groups. Following a meeting of the board of AIR this afternoon, I am delighted to announce that Paul Hensey's appointment was formally approved.

“Paul will take over the reins from Paddy Walsh when he retires from office at the end of March. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Paul on his appointment and welcome him on behalf of the board and our members. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our outgoing CEO Paddy Walsh who has played an integral role in the association and indeed the wider industry for decades. It has been my pleasure to work alongside him during my time as Chairman of the association and although we still have plenty of work to do between now and then I wish him the very best and every good wish for his retirement.”

Hensey added, “I am delighted with the appointment and feel this role really plays to my strengths. I am extremely proud of and passionate about the Irish horse racing product and I'm very much looking forward to getting involved in the racecourse side of the industry once again. Having been a member of the Association of Irish Racecourses for many years, I am keenly aware of the importance of this association, and the role it plays for our members and I am very much looking forward to getting started.”

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Paddy Walsh to Retire as Chief Executive of AIR

Paddy Walsh, the chief executive of the Association of Irish Racecourses, is to step down from his role early next year after two decades at the held.

AIR is an independent, not-for-profit entity which represents those who own and operate Ireland's 26 racecourses. He will retire in March 2023.

He said, “I will be officially retiring on March 31, 2023. In the interim, there are a few months of important work ahead of us. In order to find the best possible candidate for the position, we have decided to make this announcement sooner rather than later and get the recruitment process started well in advance of my departure.”

Following receipt of proposals from executive recruitment firms, Principal Connections (www.principalconnections.ie) has been appointed by the Association of Irish Racecourses to handle the search for their next chief executive.

Principal Connections is part of Agilium Worldwide LLC, ranked one of the world's top global executive search groups. It is intended that the position will be advertised in the media and on the AIR website in the coming weeks.

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Irish Tracks’ Chief “Frustrated” By Crowd Restrictions

Paddy Walsh, chief executive officer of the Association of Irish Racecourses, has said his “members are frustrated” as tracks continue to be restricted to very limited crowds.

While British racecourses are back at full capacity and other sports and sectors in Ireland are seeing restrictions eased, Irish racecourses remain limited to 500 patrons, with exceptions made to allow 1,000 at the Irish Derby meeting and the Galway Festival.

Horse Racing Ireland is seeking exceptions to allow larger crowds at next month's Harvest Festival at Listowel and Irish Champions Weekend, and has also submitted a request to Irish government to further ease restrictions at racecourses and increase attendance.

“Although we appreciate that navigating the reopening of society and easing of restrictions is an onerous task, our members are frustrated,” Walsh said. “They have done everything that has been asked of them, facilities have been turned inside out to ensure that protocols and guidelines have been meticulously adhered to at tracks nationwide. While the association fully respects public health, restrictions have eased considerably in other sectors and sports and we would like to see more progress in this regard for our members and the wider horse racing industry.”

A press release from AIR further added: “Close consultation will continue over the coming weeks with all parties committed to playing their role in supporting the industry's best efforts to encourage the easing of restrictions all the while protecting the continuity of racing and overall public health.”

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