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Trainers
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It is the responsibility of the Trainer to establish a Jockey's availability to ride in a race before declaring the Jockey and to ensure a Jockey is nominated on a declared horse by 12pm on the day of declaration. If the Jockey expects to carry overweight of up to 2lbs, this should be declared by 12pm on the day of declaration. If a Jockey is not nominated by 12pm on the day of declaration, then a Jockey must be nominated in writing to the Clerk of the Scales not less than 90 minutes before the first race is scheduled to start, otherwise the horse will be automatically withdrawn.
A Trainer must notify us if any horse is unable to run by either logging into their RÁS account or by ringing the Non-Runner Line (045-445645) no less than 90 minutes before the first race is scheduled to start. After this time the Trainer must notify the Clerk of the Scales in writing at [email protected].
If a Trainer wishes to run a reserve horse, they must declare the horse to run either by logging into their RÁS account or by ringing the Non-Runner Line no later than 11am (February through to October) or 10am (November, December, and January). A Jockey must be declared on a Reserve by close of reserves and failure to nominate a Jockey shall render the declaration of the reserve invalid and the horse will not run.
All Trainers are obliged as a condition of their licence to ensure that appropriate insurance is in place and that evidence of insurance is provided to the IHRB. Trainers will continue to receive an email approximately 14 days in advance advising that the insurance policy information on record is expiring, but the obligation to keep track of the expiry date of the policy and for its timely renewal will remain with the Trainer.
If a renewed policy is not received before expiry, the licence will be taken down on the date of insurance expiration and any entries or declarations for races after that date will be voided. The Trainer will be notified that the licence has been taken down due to failure to provide valid insurance policy information.
Please be advised that insurance companies or brokers do not provide information to the IHRB directly; it is a matter for the Trainer to ensure that the valid insurance certificates are sent to [email protected] prior to expiry.
How to become a Trainer
Full Trainer Licence – this licence has no restrictions
Restricted Trainer Licence – A restricted licence permits the Trainer to have a maximum of four horses per code returned in training.
Hunter Chase Licence – A Hunter Chase Licence allows a Trainer to run horses in a selected number of races throughout the National Hunt season:
Hunter Steeplechases
Races that require horses to hold a Hunter’s Certificate or where Rule 78 is suspended enabling runners (other than the winner) to retain their Hunter’s Certificate, such as Point to Point, I.N.H. Flat Races, Selected Bumpers, Cross Country and Banks races.
Trainer Partnership – Only fully licensed Trainers are eligible to apply for a Training Partnership. Applicants are subject to an interview with the Licensing Committee.
Master Trainer – Full Licence holders can also apply to the Licensing Committee to become a Master Trainer which allows them to educate an apprentice in respect of all aspects of the horse racing industry. A Trainer must be able to demonstrate that they can meet set criteria to be considered a Master Trainer. Please view the criteria for a Master Trainer here. New applicants are subject to an interview with the Licensing Committee.
To view the fees applicable for each licence please click here
Alternatively, individuals holding a Jockey's licence with an acceptable number of Jockeys or a registration as a Point-to-Point Handler with an acceptable number of runners may also qualify. Applicants lacking this experience should provide demonstrable evidence of their experience within the horseracing industry and discuss their application with the IHRB Licensing Department.
Please note that the pre-trainer’s course is held twice yearly, in Spring and Autumn. Places are limited and allocated on a first come, first served basis and a waiting list may apply.
Application Process
There are four stages in the application process.
Initial Assessment - Applicants must successfully complete an assessment to evaluate their knowledge of the industry. This assessment includes practical, oral, and written components.
Trainers Course - After passing the assessment, applicants are required to complete a pre-trainer's course. This course spans three weeks and is delivered through a blended approach, combining online sessions with in-house training.
Stable Inspection - Following the course, a stable inspection of the proposed training establishment is conducted.
Licensing Committee Review - The stable inspection report, along with the application and all relevant documentation, is forwarded to the Licensing Committee, which will schedule an interview. The committee will decide whether to grant the licence.
For further details on the process please visit here.
For Hunter Chase course details please click here
Renewal reminders and information are issued 6 weeks prior to renewal?
Minimum Requirements
Unrestricted and Master Trainers must have returned a minimum of five horses as 'Racing Active' and a minimum of 12 runners in the previous licensing year.
Trainers must have a valid insurance policy in place.
Master Trainer
A Master Trainer must have provided their apprentice with adequate riding opportunities within the previous 12 months.
A Licensed Trainer may wish to request a change to their licence for the following reasons:
Add a Rule
Upgrade a Licence from a Restricted Licence to an Full Trainers Licence
Apply to become a Master Trainer
Apply for a Training Partnership
If it is more than five years since you last held a Trainers Licence you will be required to submit an application for a licence and this will be considered by the Licensing Committee. Individuals returning to the industry may be required to complete the current pre-licence Trainers course prior to being granted a licence.
Additional Licensed Premises
A Trainer may seek to license an additional premises as an overflow yard or extra capacity. This premises should be ancillary to the principal licensed premises and remain under the full-time care and control of the Trainer. The IHRB has defined requirements for a licensed trainer to have an additional licensed premises. Please visit the Licensed Premises page for details regarding these requirements.
Temporary Licensed Premises
Recently there has been an increase in requests for temporary change of quarters due to the increased farming of rapeseed crops (Oilseed Rape) in Ireland. It is recognised that when these crops flower, the pollen may have an effect on certain horses causing some of them to display signs of irritation within their upper respiratory system. If you feel that the horses in your care requires a temporary change of premises, please visit the Licensed Premises page for details regarding this process.
Safety Equipment in Licensed Premises
Trainers bear full responsibility and liability for the safety and welfare of all employees and other individuals present on their premises, including for any injuries that may be sustained by jockeys riding out under their supervision, in particular where safety equipment is below the recommended standard for safety equipment. The IHRB Policy outlining the recommended standards of safety equipment in Licensed Premises can be viewed here
