| OWNERSHIP |
IRISH OWNERS AMBER O’GRADY, OWNERSHIP DEPARTMENT MANAGER GIVES US AN UPDATE FROM RACING’S HQ
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eflecting on 2021, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all Irish owners. Throughout the pandemic and all the uncertainty of the past 20 months, owners have been steadfast in their support of Irish racing, and we are extremely grateful. The highlight of 2021 for the Ownership Department was welcoming owners back to our racecourses in June. It was wonderful to see owners back in the parade ring creating the atmosphere and vibrancy that was missing throughout lockdown.
2022 and Beyond As we look to 2022, there are several new initiatives planned. Horse Racing Ireland is committed to maintaining prize money levels and improving the racecourse experience for all owners. Our research in 2021 told us that 62% of owners are in racing for the love of horses and the enjoyment of going racing. The ownership team look forward to working closely with all racecourses, the AIR and the AIRO to ensure we create a minimum standard and expectation for owners when they go racing.
Over 90% of owners also said they wish to receive more communication from HRI. With this in mind, we intend to create an Owners Club in 2022 to enhance the ownership experience and offer owners additional benefits to compliment what is already offered by AIRO and the Racecourses. Covid allowing, we also hope to bring back the National Trainers Open Morning in the Spring. With over 2,000 visitors visiting 27 trainers in 2019 it proved a popular event and something we feel can be expanded in 2022. A number of new directives will be implemented in 2022 which will see changes to the Multiple Owner set up. All information will be communicated with owners when approved by the HRI Board, however the biggest change will see syndicate numbers increasing from a maximum of 20 to 100 shareholders. This allows us accommodate the changing landscape of syndicates and multiple owner set ups. It is important we also acknowledge Horse Welfare. A topic foremost on everyone’s minds. This is an area we all need to collaborate on. From helping owners rehome horses for their second act, to communicating the positive work being done to the wider public, it is an area we
must collectively take responsibility for. We look forward to working with all stakeholders in this regard throughout 2022 and beyond.
| MAGAZINE 2022 |
THANK YOU TO
Changes to the HRI Ownership Team The ownership team is going through a transition period with some key members leaving to take up new roles in racing. Aidan McGarry moved to take up the position of Manager for Navan Racecourse and Caroline Townend has recently accepted a position as Operations Manager for Cork Racecourse. I would like to personally thank them for their commitment to the Ownership team over the past few years and wish them all the very best in their new roles. I look forward to introducing you to new members of the team shortly. I would also like to thank the wider HRI/ITM staff and AIRO for their help when owners returned racing. Many people gave their time over the past few months to help with the IHRB Health Screening both on the help desk and on-course. We are very grateful for their assistance. Finally, I look forward to seeing you racing in 2022.
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