Share to
The Curragh, 11 July 2025 – The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) has today published its Annual Report for 2024, detailing a year of continued progress and reform across financial governance, integrity services, equine and rider welfare, and operational delivery.
Key highlights include the successful completion of an independent external review of financial governance, the launch of a joint anti-doping initiative with the British Horseracing Authority, and the establishment of the Racing Regulation and Integrity Unit to further enhance the transparency and effectiveness of rule enforcement.
Publishing the report, IHRB CEO Darragh O’Loughlin said: “2024 was a year of progress and purpose for the IHRB. With a new Statement of Strategy 2024–2027 guiding our work, we introduced structural and operational reforms that have strengthened integrity, improved equine and rider welfare, and enhanced transparency in our regulatory practices. The completion of the Forvis Mazars review and implementation of its recommendations marked an important step in strengthening financial governance, and I am grateful to our team and stakeholders for their ongoing support.”
Highlights from the 2024 Annual Report include:
- Governance Reform: A rigorous review of financial governance by Forvis Mazars concluded in October, with implementation of recommendations now well advanced. Enhanced procurement oversight, internal audit processes, and risk management structures were also established.
- Anti-Doping Initiatives: In partnership with the British Horseracing Authority, a new joint equine anti-doping and medication control initiative was launched. Nearly 250 out-of-competition samples were taken ahead of the Cheltenham Festival, reinforcing a shared zero-tolerance approach to doping.
- Veterinary and Welfare Focus: The Equine Injury in Irish Racing Risk Reduction (EIIRRR) Project published its first findings, leading to enhancements in veterinary inspections and racecourse standards. The IHRB also hosted the biennial European Horserace Scientific Liaison Committee conference and a landmark seminar on bone injury prevention in Thoroughbreds.
- Operational Resilience: Despite record wet weather in early 2024, 390 of 391 scheduled race meetings proceeded, thanks to strong collaboration between IHRB and HRI. Point to Point racing showed strong resilience, with more races held in Spring 2024 than the previous year, despite significant weather-related disruption.
- Jockey and Staff Supports: The inaugural year of the Jockey CPD programme saw high levels of engagement, and a new rehabilitation clinic at RACE Campus was launched in partnership with the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund and HRI EQUUIP. Safety gear standards and concussion protocols were also updated in line with international best practice.
- Strategic Developments: The new Racing Regulation and Integrity Unit was established to streamline rule enforcement, and regulatory hearings were opened to the media to enhance transparency. A comprehensive review of the Rule Book also progressed, with changes introduced to improve traceability and fairness.
Commenting on the report, IHRB Chairperson John Byrne said: “The IHRB has undertaken a number of significant governance and operational changes, which will improve the overall structure of the organisation. It is important that the IHRB remains vigilant in addressing any challenges that are presented, both in terms of its role as the Racing Regulatory Body and its own operational capability. My term as Chairperson will end in December 2025, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the IHRB Board for their commitment and support. Under the leadership of CEO Darragh O’Loughlin, I am confident that the IHRB team will continue to safeguard the reputation of Irish racing at home and abroad.”
The full Annual Report 2024 is available to view here.