The Racing Regulation and Integrity Team is responsible for the preparation, case management, and presentation of all cases before the Referrals Committee and Appeals Body. This includes handling matters referred from racecourses, disciplinary hearings, and appeals. The team plays a crucial role in ensuring that all regulatory processes are conducted to the highest standards of fairness, integrity, and compliance. 
 

Beyond enforcement, the Racing Regulation and Integrity Team is also responsible for the ongoing review and development of the Rules of Racing and associated regulations. This involves conducting research, consulting with industry stakeholders, and proposing amendments to maintain an effective and modern regulatory framework.  

 

The Head of Racing Regulation & Integrity, supported by a dedicated compliance and enforcement team, oversees Raceday Integrity Officers (RIOs). This team operates on the racecourse, monitoring access to integrity-sensitive areas such as the stableyard and weighroom and providing operation support on raceday. The new regulatory function now encompasses both Disciplinary and Compliance, further strengthening the IHRB’s commitment to upholding racing integrity. 

The IHRB Disciplinary Panel is composed of Raceday Stewards, legal professionals, veterinary and medical experts, and individuals with specialist knowledge of racing and its regulatory framework.

This panel is tasked with assessing cases in a fair and independent manner, ensuring all decisions are grounded in the Rules of Racing and due process is followed.

A Referrals Committee has jurisdiction over cases referred by Raceday Stewards, the Licensing Committee, or Senior Racing Officials.

It is responsible for making first-instance decisions on regulatory breaches, determining appropriate sanctions or dismissing cases where necessary. The committee operates in accordance with established procedures to ensure consistency and impartiality in its determinations.

The Appeals Body is an independent panel responsible for reviewing decisions made by the Referrals Committee, Raceday Stewards, or Licensing Committee. It ensures that all appeals are conducted in accordance with the Rules of Racing, with procedural fairness and due process upheld. The Appeals Body evaluates each case based on the evidence presented, applying the principles of natural justice to ensure impartial and well-founded decisions.

Appeals can be presided over by an independent chairperson. These individuals are appointed based on their expertise in legal, regulatory, or sporting disciplines and play a crucial role in maintaining judicial integrity, procedural consistency, and regulatory compliance.  

The IHRB is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and transparency in Irish horseracing. As the independent regulatory authority, the IHRB enforces a Code of Conduct and the Rules of Racing to ensure all participants uphold the values of honesty, accountability, and sportsmanship. 

 

Integrity is at the core of the IHRB’s mission, with dedicated oversight through stewarding, anti-doping controls, security measures, and disciplinary procedures. The Code of Conduct, mandates good conduct, ethical practices, respect for all participants, fair competition, and a commitment to preserving the good reputation of horseracing.  

 

Every race is monitored to ensure compliance, with robust investigation and enforcement mechanisms in place to detect and address any breaches. The IHRB’s commitment to fairness extends to rider conduct, trainer responsibilities, stable management, and racehorse welfare, ensuring a level playing field for all stakeholders. 

 

Through continuous regulatory enhancements and strict enforcement, the IHRB safeguards the integrity of Irish racing, reinforcing public confidence and preserving the sport’s reputation at home and on the international stage. 

The IHRB gathers and analyses intelligence on an ongoing basis to protect the integrity of Irish racing. The team monitors a structured intelligence database, similar to those used by law enforcement agencies, to assess potential risks and ensure compliance with the Rules of Racing. Intelligence is sourced from betting analysis, race profiling, industry reporting, and regulatory investigations. The IHRB also monitors social media and digital platforms to identify relevant information that may require further scrutiny or enforcement action. 

The IHRB are responsible for conducting thorough, fair, and impartial investigations into alleged breaches of the Rules of Racing. Investigations are carried out in accordance with established regulatory procedures, ensuring due process, transparency, and accountability at every stage. 

 

Investigations may be initiated based on reports from Senior Racing Officials, Veterinary and Medical Teams, Raceday Stewards, or the Licensing Committee. Cases may involve raceday incidents, anti-doping matters, welfare concerns, or other regulatory infractions. The process includes evidence gathering, interviews, witness statements, expert analysis, and, where necessary, forensic (including Laboratory testing) or technical examinations to establish the facts. 

 

All investigations are conducted independently and objectively, with findings referred to the appropriate disciplinary body for adjudication. The IHRB ensures that all licensed individuals and stakeholders are afforded procedural fairness, with decisions made based on clear evidence and in compliance with the Rules of Racing. 

 

By adhering to best regulatory practices, the IHRB reinforces public and industry confidence in the integrity of Irish racing, ensuring that the sport operates to the highest standards of fairness, transparency, and enforcement. 

 

As part of its regulatory function, the IHRB provides a Confidential Reporting mechanism to safeguard the integrity of Irish racing. Individuals, including licensed personnel and stakeholders, are encouraged to report concerns regarding potential breaches of the Rules of Racing, misconduct, or integrity risks. Confidentiality is strictly maintained to protect those making disclosures, ensuring that reports can be made without fear of reprisal. 

 

Early disclosures play a crucial role in proactive regulation and enforcement, allowing the IHRB to assess, investigate, and address potential issues swiftly. All confidential reports are handled in line with regulatory protocols, ensuring due process and appropriate action where necessary. By fostering a culture of transparency and accountability, the IHRB reinforces its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of fairness, compliance, and integrity in the sport. 

The IHRB issues Regulatory Notices for matters that require formal publication but do not meet the threshold for referral to the Referrals Committee. These notices serve to ensure compliance with the Rules of Racing and uphold the highest standards of integrity in the sport. They provide official communication to licensed individuals, detailing regulatory updates, enforcement measures, and specific obligations under the rules. 

 

As part of its regulatory oversight, the IHRB may also issue Improvement Notices, directing individuals or entities to take corrective action where compliance deficiencies, procedural shortcomings, or welfare concerns have been identified. These notices outline clear expectations for improvement, ensuring that regulatory breaches are proactively addressed, and best practices are maintained. 

 

Failure to comply with Regulatory or Improvement Notices may result in escalated enforcement action, including disciplinary proceedings, sanctions, or licensing consequences. Through a structured and transparent approach to regulation, the IHRB reinforces accountability, integrity, and continuous improvement across all areas of Irish racing.