THE wellbeing of those working within the Irish thoroughbred industry has long been recognised as a critical factor in sustaining both the people and sport itself. Yet how often do trainers and stable staff, the drivers, stud workers and administrators really get asked how it is to work in the sector day to day?

Despite the industry’s deep-rooted culture of resilience and passion, there has been limited factual research exploring the specific mental health challenges faced by its workforce.

Mental health

Recognising this gap, Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) through the equuip department have partnered with South East Technological University (SETU) and have initiated a project aimed at investigating the mental health, well-being and coping strategies within the Irish racing industry.

The overarching idea of the project is that the sector responses will lead to the development of a Mental Health Education Programme.

This new working collaboration was driven by a shared commitment from HRI/equuip and SETU to create evidence-based, practical and sustainable solutions to support those who dedicate their lives to the care, training and success of racehorses.

Wellbeing initiatives

The research is designed to provide a foundation for developing tailored wellbeing initiatives - ensuring that future supports are informed by data rather than assumption.

By capturing the authentic voices and experiences of staff, the project seeks to highlight both the strengths and the stressors within the industry, ultimately guiding policies, programmes and cultural change that promote better mental health outcomes.

This research marks a crucial step towards building a more compassionate, informed and proactive approach to wellbeing in the thoroughbred industry.

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