ORIGINALLY established over half a century ago, the Association of Irish Racecourses (AIR) has as its aim the general promotion of horse racing in Ireland, with a special emphasis on the interests of the racecourse owners and operators.
Eleven years ago the Association was legally established as a company limited by guarantee, and it operates as a non-profit making organisation. Since its establishment it has had all the racecourses in Ireland as members.
Paddy Walsh is the chief executive of the Association which has its offices in Dublin, and there he is ably assisted by Sarah Dwane. Paddy works with a board of directors, elected by the racecourse members, and the current chairman of AIR is the former Galway manager John Moloney. He is joined by Paddy Dunican (vice chairman and representing Kilbeggan), John Flannelly (Ballinrobe), Darren Lawlor (HRI courses), Richard Lyttle (Downpatrick), Colm McCourt (Dundalk), Dick O’Sullivan (Punchestown), Sue Phelan (Tramore) and Eddie Scally from Gowran Park.
The work of AIR is usually thrust centre stage in public when the negotiations for broadcasting rights are being conducted, but the work done ‘behind the scenes’ is vast and varied. The board meets regularly to conduct the affairs of the Association and deal with any issues, while all the members meet about four or five times annually.
As the voice of Irish racecourses, AIR is in regular contact with all the other bodies associated with the running of Irish racing. Paddy Walsh explains: “AIR sits on many different committees and liaises constantly with the many different bodies within the sport. While many would expect that we are in regular contact with bodies such as Horse Racing Ireland and the Turf Club, they may not realise that we are also meeting the representative bodies for owners, trainers, jockeys and more to listen and work with them on areas of concern or interest.”
From such discussions over recent years have emerged programmes such as the owners’ access scheme, whereby all owners have free admission to more than 100 race days a year, irrespective of whether they have a runner or not. Other developments include the provision of appropriate dietary requirements for riders, improved safety features at the tracks, and more.
Over the next year this column will be going behind the scenes at all of the 26 racecourses in Ireland, telling their stories and giving readers of The Irish Field an insight into the work that goes on in the background. While the public gets to see the course on a raceday, this series will attempt to tell about the myriad of tasks and arrangements that have to be carried out in order for such days to happen.
Most racecourses are run with small, dedicated teams and on this journey readers will get to meet some of the people and personalities whose work is rarely acknowledged but is always appreciated.
Paddy Walsh took over the role of chief executive of AIR from his predecessor Frank Smyth in 2003. He is proud of the way that racecourse owners and managers have steered their way through the recession and are working hard to enhance the experience of all the customers who come through their gates. In 2015 those turnstiles saw more than 1,285,000 people pass through.
DATES FOR THE DIARY
Racing in Ireland for the next seven days will take place at
Sunday, June 5th:
Kilbeggan, Listowel
Monday, June 6th
Gowran Park and Listowel
Wednesday, June 8th
Fairyhouse,
Thursday, June 9th
Leopardstown,
Friday, June 10th
Clonmel
Saturday, June 11th
Navan and Limerick