AIRO aka the Irish Owners Association held their AGM at ITBA headquarters on Thursday evening last.  David Hyland was re-elected as Chairman while the Vice-Chairman seat remains with Caren Walsh.  John Connolly, John Weld and Sandra Fox were re-elected to the board and accounts pertaining to the year ended 31st December, 2024 were discussed and analysed.
 
Chairman David Hyland who has horses in training with a number of trainers in Ireland highlighted and thanked the management and board of AIRO for their continuous hard work but issued a stark warning to the industry on the number of owners leaving the sport and highlighted the root cause of this exodus being prizemoney levels.  Here is an extract from his speech outlining his and Owners concerns:
 
There are a number of issues affecting our industry that I feel we must address...
 
Prize-Money – We spoke about this last year and it is still the most essential and most worrying issue affecting Irish Racing at present.  We have written in on numerous occasions and lobbied continually about prize-money and were heartened when HRI announced a slight increase in the mid sections earlier this year, but I’m afraid it does not go far enough to balance the exponential rise in costs that is being felt by every owner.  
 
The 2024 HRI factbook states that Owners continue to contribute 25% of the prize-money pot, the largest owners contribution in any racing jurisdiction worldwide.  In fact, the owners contributions to prizemoney have risen from 22% pre-covid in 2018 to 25% for the last two year whereas  the contribution from HRI to prizemoney in 2024 was €92,000 less than its pre-covid contribution in 2019.  On a more positive light, The Curragh has increased its’ prizemoney contributions again this year and Leopardstown racecourse have decided to boost the prize-money values by €271,000 for 2025, which are very grateful for and hope that many of the remaining tracks will follow suit.
 
Retention of Owners – This leads me on to our next point which we are gravely concerned about, owner retention.  This is an area that we feel needs a lot of attention as we can see a lot of owners dropping off due to the spiralling training costs and ever-increasing owner charges and expenses.  From looking at the decline in our own membership numbers and discussions with trainers and other industry stakeholders, owners are leaving the industry in their droves.  Considering the current economic downturn, inflation, cost of living increases and threats of impending tariffs, disposable income available to spend on luxury items such as horses is reducing considerably.  
 
This exodus of owners has the potential to pose a huge knock-on effect on our entire industry. 
Trainers:- there are reports of growing numbers of empty stables in many trainers facilities right across the country especially in smaller trainers yards, Owners are not just moving stables, they are getting out of the game.
Stable Staff:-  With less horses in training, the number of people working in the industry will fall as trainers will no longer require or be economically viable enough to employ staff.
Jockeys:- Less opportunities for jockey’s at all levels as number of horses in training will be reduced.
Breeders/Stallion Farms:- The Breeders will find there is a reduced market at sales for their stock.  Already there are rumours this year that coverings are down considerably and according to the HRI factbook 2024, foal numbers have been reducing year on year which is as a result of increasing costs and breeders becoming more selective in which mares to consider covering.
Sales Companies:-  the knock on for sales companies is that they could see a reduction in orders to trainers from owners here at home.
Racecourses:- HRI most recent factbook 2024 shows a continual downward spiral on number of entries from 2021 to 2024 in both codes flat and national hunt which is a worrying statistic and attendance figures will also be effected on the non-festival industry days with this continuing trend of departing owners.
Betting:- A drop in ownership will also have a negative effect on betting which could have serious implications as the current media rights deal for racecourses which is reliant on betting turnover for funding.
Welfare:- If owners are falling off, what happens to the horses in their care?  While we are all aware of our responsibilities as owners are there enough facilities within the country to adequately meet this growing demand? I fear the answer to that question is no…
TREO EILE are doing a good job to provide a platform for retraining and rehoming ex-racehorses and according to Governments Paddy Wall Report on welfare and updated reports from HRI a new location for an new abattoir has not yet been decided. 
 
These are some of the sectors that will be directly affected, but this does not include feed companies, veterinary practices, farriers, even local pubs & restaurants and other secondary businesses that will be indirectly affected if this problem is not addressed immediately.
 
We implore the HRI leadership, board and senior management to critically look at expenditure and to prioritise prizemoney before it’s too late.  While acknowledging the funding we get from Government includes capital development requirements, surely it makes far more sense to concentrate on ensuring the survival of the horse racing & breeding industries rather than expanding an already full workforce or funding huge developments at racecourses while the foundations at the grassroots level are crumbling.  We appreciate that these capital developments projects are all worthwhile but at this juncture and in the current economic climate, it is essential that a larger percentage of the Government fund be allocated to prizemoney which would be far more beneficial to the whole industry. Ireland is a world leader in this industry and we want to ensure we continue to positively contribute to the Irish economy and exchequer.  It is imperative that we make prizemoney much more attractive to not only to attract in new owners and more importantly to retain our current Owners but also to ensure the positive effect from the prizemoney trickles down to all 30,000 people who are relying on it to sustain their employment.
 
Prizemoney is key to ensuring that owners remain in the game and we as an industry need to work quickly and cohesively to rectify this situation before it becomes a bigger problem, as we now have the chance to stop this exodus.  Direct foreign investment is another area for concern, the reason many national hunt owners have their horses trained in Ireland was directly linked to our competitive levels of prizemoney.  The same is true in Flat racing - international owners were happy to race in Ireland because of reasonable prizemoney (better than the UK) and good quality racing.  We are now seeing horses moved to the UK, USA and Australia as well as other jurisdictions where prizemoney has improved while ours has stagnated or dropped.  This isn’t an argument based around making owning racehorses a profit making business.  But prizemoney levels need to be comparable with our competitors in order for the entire Irish industry - breeding and racing to remain viable. 
 
 
It is not my intention to be negative as I believe that this is a magnificent industry and we as a group in AIRO are always supportive and will continue to work positively with all stakeholders.  We acknowledge all the great work that HRI and every racing entity is putting into the game but we need to refocus our efforts to intentionally ensure that the racing and breeding industries in this country continues to grow and flourish.
  
AIRO is here for Owners and I’d like to encourage all owners to get involved.  Owners should know that third party liability insurance is included in our membership.  We have an open-door policy and owners are invited to call in or phone the office should they wish to get further information.  I want to thank our board of directors for their time and efforts, it is so important to remember that these individuals all have very busy lives and despite their extremely hectic schedules, they make voluntary time for the sake of you, the Irish Owners.
 
 

The Irish Owners & Trainer Associations’ held their annual Golf Classic in Mount Juliet last Wednesday in aid of TREO EILE.  We were proud to join forces to support such a worthwhile entity and resource as TREO EILE, that are providing such an important platform in the retraining and rehoming of ex-racehorses here in Ireland.
 
Firstly, we want to thank all 22 teams for supporting the event and putting in a team to compete.  The prizes on the day were generously sponsored by Alan Maloney from Mount Falcon Estate, artist Jason O’Ceannobhain, Dubarry of Ireland and CW Clothing, providing us with superb prizes for the top 4 teams home.  Peter Morgan from Elm Park Golf Club sponsored the longest drive and nearest the pin in both the women’s and men’s categories which was appreciated.  We would also like to acknowledge all the tee-box sponsors on the day, the contributors to the goody bags and sponsors of the picky out prizes for their continued support.  
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IHRB Winning Team - Andrew Ring, Pat Kelly and Tony Kinsella receive their prizes for Mount Falcon Estate from AIRO Chairman David Hyland (Raymond Groarke 4th team member missing from photo)

2nd Team - ISSA - Patrick O'Brien, Eoin Lane, John Carthy, David Hyland (AIRO Chairman) and Pat Keating

;3rd Team - Willie Mullins' Team - Paul Townend, David Casey, Brian Hayes & Fran Berry

Longest Drive and Nearest the Pin ladies winners - Fiona McEnery (Longest Drive) and Orla Donworth (Nearest the Pin) receive their prizes from Peter Morgan (Elm Park Golf Club Pro - Award sponsors) and David Hyland (AIRO Chairman)

​Enhancing the Owners and Trainers Experience at Punchestown Festival
People make Punchestown and at the home of Irish jump racing we recognise the vital role that racehorse owners play. Without your passion for horses and contribution to the industry we would have no racing. With this in mind we will be introducing enhancements to the ever-evolving owner experience ahead of the 2025 Punchestown Festival. 
 
In advance at declaration stage
We appreciate that having a runner at a major festival is a special occasion and therefore attracts more owners along with their family, friends and guests. In order to facilitate this, it is essential that owners register the names of any guests or representatives attending on the day. At declaration stage you or the syndicate agent will receive a email from Horse Racing Ireland. You must register your guests via this email please. A couple of minutes spent doing this in advance will help your race day experience go much smoother.
 
Upgrades to Owners & Trainers Entrance Procedure
We all want a hassle-free day and to get you off to a good start we are introducing a dedicated Owners & Trainers entrance area in association with Goffs. The entrance will remain at the same location as previous years - to the right of the main entrance building. 
On the day that an owner has a runner we request that owners check-in at the entry point to collect their owner pack containing the badges, passes etc. 

Goffs Owners & Trainers Lounge
The Goffs Owners & Trainers Lounge located on the first floor of The Hunt Stand will serve buffet lunch for owner’s who have a runner on the day. This applies to up to four people per ownership regardless of number of runners. Upon arrival at The Goffs Owners & Trainers Lounge reception a Punchestown staff member will guide you to your table where, during peak times, a 45-minute dining time allocation will be in place. This policy has worked well on race days and ensures that those who should be looked after are looked after.  

Festival Owners & Trainers Bar
In light of the large numbers of owners, syndicate members and guests we are pleased to introduce a new Festival Owners & Trainers Bar. This will be conveniently located on the ground floor of the Hunt Stand with brilliant access to the trackside viewing lawn and southern enclosure. 
 
Winners & Placed Owners 
We believe that making it to the Punchestown winners enclosure is something that should be celebrated. We look forward to inviting the winning connections to our Bollinger winner’s room.  In addition, we wish to extend this invitation to placed connections and invite them to enjoy a complimentary post-race drink and to watch a replay of the race in the dedicated area of the new festival Owners & Trainers Bar in the Hunt Stand.  

We look forward to welcoming you to Punchestown and are committed to making your Festival experience exceptional. Your support is invaluable, and we are pleased to show our appreciation through these enhancements.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with feedback or suggestions via [email protected]

We are delighted that the ROA have extended the offer for AIRO members to book into the ROA Cheltenham Festival marquee for Cheltenham Festival 2025. 

Details are as follows:-
We are delighted to announce that the ROA Cheltenham Marquee will be returning to its previous location next to the shopping village for the 2025 Festival. The feedback we received on last years’ venue was that although more spacious, the location was too far away from the heart of the action, which meant getting out to see races live was difficult.
 
Numbers for the 2025 marquee will be capped for the comfort and safety of everyone in attendance. Members can book places for themselves and up to three guests on each of the four days, but please note that only daily badges are available. The ROA marquee is always extremely popular, so we would urge you to book as soon as you are able.  
 
As in previous years, there will be hot and cold food on sale, a private bar, Tote facilities and numerous TV screens so you won't miss any of the action. Seats and tables are available, but please be aware that these cannot be reserved. 
 
​We will also be holding a free-to-enter ‘champion tipster’ competition each day for everyone in the marquee.
 
Access to the marquee requires Club admission, which is not included in the price of the marquee badge, but can be purchased directly from Cheltenham Racecourse. 
 
We always sell out well in advance, so if you want to join us, please book early. Marquee badges will not be available for purchase on the day. 
 
The 2025 prices per day are: 

• AIRO/ROA MEMBERS: £70 members £80 guests (up to three guests per member per day)

 
Anyone wishing to book should call the ROA office on 0044 1183 385680.
 

The Association of Irish Racehorse Owners celebrated their annual 'Irish Racehorse Owners Awards' in the Cashel Palace Hotel on Friday 8th November, 2024.  
MC Richard Pugh welcomed all guests and we had a brief online address from Minister of State Martin Heydon on the importance of the Equine industry as he congratulated all award winners.  AIRO's Chairman David Hyland welcomed all guests and in his address he stressed the importance of Prizemoney and noted that there has been no significant increase in mid-section of both codes of racing since 2008, which is not acceptable.  He also encouraged all stakeholders to work together for common good of the industry though concise, transparent engagement with good inter-industry relationships and communications key to keeping us at the top of our game.  He further noted that Welfare was the biggest issue facing Irish racing and that a lot more needs to be done to securing a progressive plan going forward.
He thanked all our sponsors for their generosity and support namely Ballylinch Stud, Bermingham Cameras, Connolly RED MILLS, Crossogue Preserves, Coolmore Stud, Godolphin Ireland, Goffs, HRI Ownership, ITBA, Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, Howden Insurance, Mount Falcon Estate, Tattersalls Ireland, The Irish Field and Weatherbys Ireland, your support is really appreciated. He also welcomed our new sponsors namely HRI Welfare, the Irish Racing Yearbook and SES Equine Services Ltd, and thanked them profusely for their generosity.  He also mentioned Ciara Lacy who made the fabulous floral arrangements, the Hotel and staff for all their assistance, the Racing TV presenters for their help in selecting the award winners and finally the Awards Committee consisting of Caren Walsh, Sandra Fox and Richie Galway together with manager Regina Byrne for putting the whole night together.
He praised the exceptionally talented artists Jason O'Ceannobhain and Kevin Casey who produced the awards pieces for the event and finally thanked the MC Richard Pugh and his co-host Jane Mangan for their brilliance.
A super night was enjoyed by all lucky enough to attend this jam-packed event..
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Irish Owners are asked to Vote for the 'Irish Racecourse of the Year 2024' which will be given out at the Irish Racehorse Owners Awards in the Cashel Palace Hotel on Friday 8th November, 2024.

Following the broadcast of the RTE Investigates documentary ‘Making a Killing’ on Wednesday night, AIRO was shocked, upset, and horrified by the content presented. The distressing images from the abattoir depicted practices that do not demonstrate an appropriate level of respect and care for the animals, which AIRO condemns unequivocally. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for the mistreatment or abuse of horses under any circumstances.

​We welcome any investigation by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine (DAFM) and An Garda Síochána to address the sickening cruelty, criminality, and fraudulent activities exposed in the documentary involving horses . We concur with statements from Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) and other industry bodies and will continue to collaborate closely with all stakeholders to ensure the best practices in responsible racehorse ownership are enforced and upheld.

Now in its tenth year, the Weathersby’s ITBA NH Fillies Scheme remains open until 30th September 2023.  
 
If you are a NH Breeder or Owner and wish to make your filly eligible for the scheme, the terms and conditions remain as follows: 
 

• 3YO+ at time of entry
• Unraced (under rules) at closing date 30th September, 2023
• €200 to be paid to the ITBA before the closing date as above.

 
This is a once-off payment that makes your filly eligible for bonuses amounting to €17,500. Once entered, eligibility will start on 1st January, 2024. 
 
Fillies purchased at any Irish Store Sale will automatically be eligible once they are sold through the ring, with the vendor paying €50 at entry and the purchaser paying the additional €150 directly to the sales company.  
Fillies bought outside the ring but processed through the sales company are also eligible. Those lots purchased outside the ring and not using the sales company or unsold lots will need to have the additional €150 paid to the ITBA before the closing date to ensure her eligibility. 
Owners of fillies not presented at store sales will pay €200 to the ITBA before the closing date.
 
There are bonuses attached to every mare’s only maiden race in Ireland: Bumpers, Maiden Hurdles and Beginners Chases.  The bonuses are paid to the winning owners in the following way:
€5,000 - Mares only Bumper
€5,000 - Mares only Maiden Hurdle
€5,000 - Mares only Beginners Chase
From 1st January 2024, all IRE Bred fillies will now be eligible to win €7,500 when winning her first bonus. 
 
The scheme includes a number of Mares only Handicap Hurdles for fillies that did not win their maiden and also supports the Connolly’s RED MILLS EBF Auction Race Series.
 
Should you have any fillies you wish to make eligible, please use the attached form.

There will be an Extraordinary General Meeting of AIRO Racing CLG on Thursday 19th October, 2023 at their registered offices at ITBA Buildings, Greenhills, Kill, Co. Kildare at 6pm.  The purposes of the EGM is to make a declaration as per the constitution as to the AIRO nominee for the HRI Board.  All members are welcome.