Family’s private horse deals revealed

Internal emails have revealed how the family of a former director at Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) was given a special platform to build business opportunities with the Chinese clients of the semi-state body.

Private deals ran parallel to formal visits organised and paid for by a HRI subsidiary. These deals led to the resignation of Michael O’Hagan, CEO of Irish Thoroughbred Marketing (ITM). He was also a director of international affairs at HRI.

The emails show Mr O’Hagan’s wife, Josephine, was included in the organisation of buying trips for Chinese customers.