Horse Racing Ireland Welcomes Seanad Report on Brexit

Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) Chief Executive, Brian Kavanagh, has welcomed the final report of the Seanad Special Select Committee, ‘Brexit: Implications and Potential Solutions’, and the recognition in the report of the serious challenges facing the Irish horse racing and breeding industries.

The report concludes a series of public hearings and deliberations of the Seanad Special Select Committee on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union.

The Irish racing and breeding industry is heavily dependent on Britain as its main market with the sector considerably exposed in the event of a ‘hard Brexit’. 65% of Ireland’s annual foal crop is exported and 80% of these exports are to Britain. The export of thoroughbreds alone is worth approximately €225 million per annum to the Irish economy.

Commenting on the report, HRI Chief Executive, Brian Kavanagh, said: “Brexit has very serious implications for the Irish thoroughbred racing and breeding industry and I would like to acknowledge the time and consideration given by the Seanad Special Select Committee to HRI and the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association in addressing our concerns, the potential risks to the industry and possible solutions.  We take encouragement from the fact that the Committee also recognise, among other issues, how crucial it is that a Tripartite Agreement for free movement of thoroughbreds between Ireland, Britain and France be maintained.  

“It is a long road ahead for Irish racing and breeding, but together with our counterparts in Britain and France, we look forward to working with Minister for Foreign Affairs with special responsibility for Brexit, Simon Coveney, our Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, and their officials to minimise the impact of Brexit on our sector.”