Irish & International Sports News, Fixtures & Results

Henry de Bromhead, Rachael Blackmore and Honeysuckle enjoyed a campaign to remember last season

Honeysuckle crowned Horse of the Year at HRI awards

Unbeaten mare Honeysuckle added the Horse of the Year accolade to her impressive list of prizes at the Horse Racing Ireland awards, while her trainer Henry de Bromhead and jockey Rachael Blackmore were also honoured.

Racing • 15 Dec 21

HRI CEO Brian Kavanagh: "Integrity around anti-doping is a top priority for the Irish racing and breeding industry."

Unannounced testing part of HRI's new anti-doping drive

All thoroughbreds in Ireland will be liable for testing without notice on both licensed and unlicensed premises and CCTV cameras will be installed in stable yards at every course as part of stricter anti-doping measures to be deployed by Horse Racing Ireland.

Racing • 12 Feb 21

There were 9,248 horses in training in Ireland in 2020

HRI reveals increase in number of horses in training

Horse Racing Ireland has revealed the degree to which attendances, on-course betting turnover and prize money dropped by last year as the coronavirus pandemic took hold, but the number of horses in training increased for the fourth time in five years.

Racing • 29 Jan 21

Racing has been continuing behind closed doors

Minister defends €12m increase to racing funding

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue has defended an increase of €12m in annual funding for horse and greyhound racing.

Racing • 14 Oct 20

As an 88-year-old, trainer Kevin Prendergast hasn't been allowed to visit an Irish racecourse since the opening day of the Flat season

Owners catch a break as HRI eases restrictions

The board of Horse Racing Ireland has approved a number of amendments to racing's Covid-19 protocols, all of which are consistent with Government guidelines, with owners and older people involved in the sport set to benefit.

Racing • 25 Jun 20

A punter looks on during the action at Naas

Racing returns to Ireland - just not as we know it

Ireland's first major competitive live sporting action in almost three months took place this afternoon as horse racing returned at Naas. New social distancing and strict health screening measures were enforced in the behind-closed-doors event, writes Paul O'Flynn.

Racing • 08 Jun 20

Naas Racecourse hosted behind-closed-doors racing in March

Racing equipped with 'many advantages' to make return

A leading horse racing doctor has stressed her belief that the sport has "many advantages" in terms of being equipped to make a safe return in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Racing • 04 Jun 20

The Irish Guineas Festival is due to take place on 23/24 May at the Curragh

HRI holding off on decision to move Irish Classics

HRI chief executive Brian Kavanagh has denied that Irish racing is planning for a return as soon as the current Covid-19 restrictions are lifted on 5 May - though he did stress that they will be ready to roll as soon as the government deems it safe to do so.

Racing • 19 Apr 20

Burrows Saint and Ruby Walsh will remain reigning Irish Grand National winners for longer than expected

Irish National Hunt season cancelled due to coronavirus

The remainder of the 2019-20 Irish National Hunt racing season has been cancelled, including the Fairyhouse and Punchestown Festivals.

Racing • 01 Apr 20

Racing continues to take place at Racing.com Park in Pakenham, Australia

Racing goes on Down Under with strict rules in place

Craig Williams and Damien Oliver are among 25 jockeys who will be riding on race days only as part of a radical plan formulated by Racing Victoria as it attempts to keep the show on the road in Australia.

Racing • 19 Mar 20

Racing took place behind closed doors at Dundalk Stadium last Friday

HRI chief: Livelihoods depend on racing continuing

The chief executive of Horse Racing Ireland, Brian Kavanagh, has defended the decision to proceed with racing in this country during the coronavirus outbreak.

Racing • 19 Mar 20

Racing went ahead without spectators at Dundalk last week

Horse racing in Ireland to continue behind closed doors

Horse Racing Ireland has decided to proceed with racing behind closed doors during the coronavirus outbreak "in strict adherence to Government guidelines".

Racing • 18 Mar 20

Kavanagh: HRI putting people before profit

Horse Racing Ireland chief executive Brian Kavanagh has expressed concern over the financial ramifications of racing behind closed doors for the domestic industry, but insisted that the human cost of the coronavirus pandemic trumped all other considerations.

Racing • 15 Mar 20

The stands will be empty at Dundalk on Friday evening

Irish racing to continue without a live audience

Irish racing is to take place behind closed doors starting at Dundalk on Friday until 29 March, under special measures in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Racing • 12 Mar 20

As well as horses travelling to and from the island for racing and other activities, the buying and selling of horses is big business.

HRI fear 'catastrophic' consequences of no-deal Brexit

A no-deal Brexit would be "catastrophic" for the movement of horses to and from Ireland, according to Horse Racing Ireland [HRI].

Racing • 16 Jan 19

Racing to continue at Down Royal

Dublin-based Merrion Group bought the County Down track in 2005 and they will take over its running after Down Royal Corporation of Horse Breeders' lease ends on 31 December.

Racing • 19 Dec 18

Fields of less than eight have major ramifications for each-way punters, with no more than two places paid in such contests

HRI doubles down on measures to attract runners

Horse Racing Ireland is set to implement a number of changes in an attempt to increase field sizes.

Racing • 27 Oct 16

A new terrace will overlook the parade ring

Galway racecourse gets green light for €2m revamp

Horse Racing Ireland has approved funding of €2.1 million for redevelopment at Galway Racecourse.

Racing • 15 Sep 16

A HRI report has called for more out-of-competition testing and lifetime bans for drug misuse

HRI recommends lifetime bans for drug misuse

A lifetime ban for any horse who has been illicitly administered prohibited substances and increased frequency of out-of-competition testing are two of the main recommendations from a report published today by Horse Racing Ireland.

Racing • 04 Feb 16

The Irish Champions Stakes will be the feature race on Irish Champions Weekend

HRI reveals new Flat festival in 2014 fixture list

Horse Racing Ireland has unveiled the 2014 fixture list, which includes an 'Irish Champions Weekend' scheduled for the first time.

Racing • 31 Jul 13

HRI