HRI to introduce new initiatives from start of 2025

Beginning on January 1, 2025, the authority will schedule 60 races throughout the calendar year which will be restricted to trainers who have trained less than 50 Irish National Hunt winners in either of the last two full Irish National Hunt seasons.

Races in the series will include bumpers, maiden hurdles, beginners steeplechases and handicap hurdles. Pic: Ben Brady

Horse Racing Ireland has announced what is effectively a comprehensive extension of an existing system which is aimed at providing opportunities for what may be classed as “smaller trainers” in the National Hunt sphere.

The new extension will designate 60 races, which will incorporate those which already exist, as restricted to trainers who, in either of the last two seasons, have trained fewer than 50 winners. This series of races, which will include bumpers, maiden hurdles, beginners’ chases, and handicap hurdles, will commence at the start of the next calendar year.