Rásaíocht Con Éireann want to rebuild confidence in greyhound racing welfare

BoyleSports CEO Vlad Kaltenieks and Greyhound Racing Ireland CEO Tim Lucey officially launch.

Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ), the body responsible for the regulation, governance, development and promotion of the greyhound racing industry, released its results for the first half of this year and also its strategic plans for the next five years, in which continued investment in welfare and the addressing of public perception of the industry high on the list of priorities.

Key to any future which the sport may have is the welfare of greyhounds, not just during their racing term but their after-racing career, and RCÉ is putting emphasis on traceability, but also investing time in building confidence in the sport.

In its progression on these lines, RCÉ states that championing racing greyhounds "by ensuring best practice on welfare and athleticism becomes embedded by participants" is a top-level objective, while it will also "challenge negative stereotypes," and "promote awareness of our role as regulator and its impact on welfare."

In the short term, RCÉ has outlined a plan to get a greater understanding of public attitudes and to market the industry to a new generation, whilst in the medium term, it will roll out traceability phase two initiatives, renew international betting contracts, and develop a sustainable breeding strategy.

Also on the agenda is greater utilization of the industry’s stadia – a plan which also includes development of its infrastructure, potentially in partnerships, which can provide additional revenue streams.

In a plan which specifies "mixed perception" of the industry, "limited awareness of standards set for greyhound welfare," and "limited domestic rehoming opportunities for retired greyhounds" as three of its weaknesses, RCÉ CEO Tim Lucey explained: “This plan charts a path towards a future where greyhound racing is recognised not only for its heritage, but for its progressive and sustainable direction.

“Our strategy prioritises both the welfare of the greyhound and the commercial future of the industry. By enhancing our traceability systems, investing in flagship assets like Shelbourne Park, and deepening public engagement, we will reinforce confidence in our sport and ensure its sustainability for generations to come.”

The release of the industry’s progress through the first half of the year highlighted 692 race meetings, over 7,200 races being run, with prize money of in excess of €4.3 million and attendances of almost 157,000.

A total of 42,628 greyhound entries were recorded from 6,948 individual greyhounds taking part, more than four fifths of which received prize money. Five hundred and twenty-six new owners got involved in the sprot, adding to the existing 3,737 existing, and there were 295 licensed trainers actively involved.

Total Tote turnover amounted to €5,653,605, with €3,685,365 bet on-site and €1,968,240 via off-site and international platforms.

Lucey commented: “The mid-year figure highlights the continued public appetite for greyhound racing. With major classics still to come and strong Tote figures, we are on track for a robust second half of the year.”

RCÉ conducted 1,003 welfare inspections with a 95.2% compliance rate against the Code of Practice for the Care and Welfare of Greyhounds. A total of 3,827 samples were taken from greyhounds during racing and non-racing phases, with a 99.33% pass rate. Race-day injury incidence was reported at 0.45%.

Lucey added: “There is often a misunderstanding of RCÉ’s role in regulating greyhound racing, but the facts speak for themselves. With a 99.33% pass rate from nearly 4,000 samples tested and 99.55% of greyhounds racing injury-free, these figures reflect our strong commitment to welfare, integrity, and high standards across the sport."

During the same period, 595 retired greyhounds were rehomed through the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust (IRGT) and partner organisations.