The Minister for Agriculture has granted an additional €2.3 million to Horse Racing Ireland [HRI] for 2027.

Government funding for racing remained steady at €79.3 million this year but, following Tuesday's Budget announcement, it will rise to €81.6 million next year. Minister Martin Heydon said: “I have allocated a further €2.9 million for the Horse and Greyhound Fund. The proposed increase in the Fund will be linked to the implementation of the Indecon Review’s recommendations in respect of equine and greyhound welfare and integrity. This will form part of the Department’s overall animal welfare package."

HRI receives 80% of the Horse & Greyhound Fund, so the semi-state body can expect to get €2.3 million of the extra €2.9 million in the fund.

In response to a question from The Irish Field at a post-Budget press briefing on Wednesday, Minister Heydon said: " I'm very proud to increase the funding for the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund. I want to put that on the record because these are industries that employ thousands of people and are worth billions of euro to our economy. They are an integral part of the fabric of rural Ireland.

"I referenced the Indecon report, which was a result of the Public Accounts Committee's review of the Horse and Greyhound Fund, and that did point to additional spending on welfare to be considered in the future. That very much tallies with the strategic plans of Horse Racing Ireland and Rasaíocht Con Éireann."

Independent Ireland

Kildare councillor Bill Clear has welcomed the increase in funding for the racing industry.

The Independent Ireland representative has called for an industry-wide conversation on how the additional funding should be spent.

He noted recent comments attributed to the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association expressing concern that additional race meetings scheduled for 2027 will reduce the average prize money per race.

Cllr Clear suggested that an industry-wide exchange of ideas by way of a day-long seminar might bring fresh ideas for the benefit of the industry. He suggested a review of the roles of the Irish Horse Racing Board (IHRB) and the Horse Racing Authority might bring economies of scale.

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