Horse Racing Ireland (Irish: Rásaíocht Capall Éireann) is the governing body of horse racing on the island of Ireland. Like most other sports, horse racing is run on an All Ireland basis, so Horse Racing Ireland is responsible for racing in both the Republic of Ireland, which has 25 racecourses, and in Northern Ireland, which has 2 racecourses. The remit of the British Horseracing Authority does not extend to Northern Ireland, even though Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom. HRI was founded in 2001, succeeding the Irish Horseracing Authority, the 1994 successor to the Racing Board founded in 1945.[1]
In addition to fulfilling regulatory and promotional functions, Horse Racing Ireland owns Fairyhouse, Leopardstown, Navan and Tipperary racecourses. The group's current chairman is Mr Denis Brosnan and its CEO Mr Brian Kavanagh.
Although the horse racing industry contracted in 2008, the industry still contributes significantly to the Irish economy.[2] In 2004 this contribution was estimated to be in the region of €330 million euros.[3]