EVER wondered what it’s like to train or own a racehorse, or wanted to learn more about the business of horse racing? Horse Racing Ireland Ownership has you covered! It has teamed up with skilled racehorse trainers, owners and some famous faces including Olympian, Derval O’Rourke, to enable racing fans and potential racehorse owners to learn more about horse racing, by hearing first hand from some of the most respected figures in the industry.

Later this month, the world of racing will become available for fans of the sport to experience virtually. The inaugural ‘Race Behind the Scenes’ week, which takes place from Monday, September 14th to Friday, September 18th, will see 20 of Ireland’s most respected racehorse trainers and owners speak at different webinars, sharing unique behind the scenes insights about the horse racing world with members of the public who register for free HERE in advance of the events.

Webinars

Covering a broad range of topics, the webinars will explore all areas of horse racing. Olympian, bestselling author and racehorse owner, Derval O’Rourke will join celebrated trainer Joseph O’Brien for a one-off discussion that compares the training routines of athletes to equines. RTÉ broadcaster Hugh Cahill will introduce Ireland’s leading trainers, finding out what it is really like to train a champion racehorse and other well-known horse racing personalities and owners will discuss their passion for the sport.

Training yards

Visit the microsite HERE where people can register to attend the webinars, learn more information and watch exclusive videos from key players of the racing industry now.

For the first time virtually, you can gain access to a racehorse trainer’s yard at any time from the comfort of your own home. Over 25 of Ireland’s top training yards will be available to tour on the website and as people enjoy a virtual experience of the yard’s facilities, they will learn more information about the yards directly from the skilled team who look after the horses.

The microsite includes an owners' section which will feature information on the thrill of racehorse ownership from the owners themselves and a World of Racing section, which features a wide range of content, such as information on what it takes be a race commentator, how to break a horse, learning what a farrier does and everything in between.

Horse racing fans are encouraged to keep an eye on @HRIOwners on social media, where more updates on the website will be shared in the coming weeks.

Leading trainer, Noel Meade said: "These past few months, the horse racing event calendar has been quieter than usual. Access to training yards has been limited but thanks to this initiative people will have unlimited virtual access to many training yards across the country while staying safe at home.

"I am delighted to be involved in ‘Race Behind the Scenes’ week, where a series of webinars will provide racing fans with access to the horse racing world like never before. These webinars and a dedicated website are the perfect opportunity for anyone interested in horse racing or potential racehorse ownership, to meet trainers and owners virtually, learn about what happens in between race meetings and what it takes to become a horse racing champion.

"Learning more about the horse racing industry has never been so easy, you don’t even have to move outside the four walls of your home! I look forward to speaking at and attending the webinars during September 14th-18th."

Amber Byrne, owner development manager with Horse Racing Ireland, commented: "While Covid-19 restrictions might prevent many of us from coming together to enjoy and learn more about horse racing, we have launched a week dedicated to educating horse racing fans about the industry virtually. A microsite and week-long webinar series will give people the opportunity to learn more about racehorse training and ownership from the world’s best.

"Those visiting the microsite will have the chance to experience something unique and tour a trainer's yard from their own home, while hearing first-hand from owners about the thrill of ownership. Several racehorse owners and trainers will also speak at various webinars scheduled across the week.

"Webinar places are limited, so I would encourage anyone interested in attending the webinars to register their interest today".

The Race Behind the Scenes virtual webinars are free to attend. However, guests must pre-register.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE WEBINARS & ACCESS DETAILS