Working Life

Industry Summary

Ireland's Racecourses

Many racecourses are owned by local bodies, including companies, trusts and charitable organisations, meaning their objectives are not concentrated solely on profit maximisation.  Four racecourses – Leopardstown, Navan, Fairyhouse and Tipperary – are owned by HRI, with the remainder independently owned.  The majority of racecourses host both Jump and Flat racing with some prominent exceptions, including the Curragh - Ireland’s premier Flat racing venue and Punchestown, which hosts the leading Jumps festival.  The only All-Weather racecourse is at Dundalk, which enables Flat racing to take place all year round.

[Source: Economic Impact of Irish breeding and racing 2017]

Main Duties

• Direct & control the work & resources of the racecourse & ensure the recruitment & retention of well-motivated, trained & developed staff;
• Prepare annual business plans & monitor progress against these plan to ensure the racecourse attains its objectives as cost-effectively & efficently as possible;
• Prepare, gain acceptance, & monitor the implementation of the annual budget to ensure that budget targets are met, that revenue flows are maximised;
• Develop & maintain an effective marketing & PR's strategy to promote the racecourse & maintain regular contact with members to obtain feedback about their needs & objectives & their opinions of the services provided;
• Ensure the racecourse complies with all health & safety other statutory regulations;

Physical Environment

The role is mainly office based as primary duties include overseeing the accounts, business planning and staff management.

Employers

Racecourses.

Further Information

• Tony Mcmanmon - Racecourse Builder- from: Horse Racing Ireland
• Willie Gibbons - Leopardstown Racecourse Track Manager- from: Horse Racing Ireland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

 Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

A racecourse manager is responsible for running and developing a successful racecourse in terms of the quality races, sponsorship, attendance, betting, customer satisfaction and profitability and looking for alternative revenue streams. This is a senior manager position and is found at all racecourses in Ireland.

While no specific qualification is required to become a racecourse operations manager, the level 8 bachelor’s degree programme in equine business (MH405) in Maynooth university is the only business degree dedicated to equine business, students study equine business themes such as: thoroughbred breeding, racing and equestrian sport and its management here in Ireland and internationally.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: business, office admin, supervisory management.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: business, management, sales, marketing, tourism with business, equine business, hospitality, tourism management with specialisms.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Sales, Stud Farm, Assistant Manager.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: equine business, business management, commerce, marketing, hospitality management, hospitality studies.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: sales, business, management.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Godolphin Flying Start post graduate opportunities, management and leadership training programme that specialises in the international thoroughbred racing and breeding industry.

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

The Association of Irish Racecourses (A.I.R.) is a non-profit making organisation and its membership is comprised all Irish Racecourses. Through regular meetings and contact with racecourse executives the AIR advise and assist members regularly on issues relating to the promotion and development of racecourses.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €48k - €140k

Generally, the amount of pay you receive for working is a matter of agreement between you and your employer.  These negotiations normally occur when you receive a job offer.

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ ISSA/ IRHB/ Indeed/ Excel Recruitment

Last Updated: July, 2024

Horse Racing Ireland: Social & Economic impacts report 2023

The Irish Breeding and Racing industry supports 30,350 full time equivalent (FTE) staff in total. This includes 9,400 jobs directly related to the industry. Over 40% of these (c.3,950 FTEs) work in breeding operations, closely followed by c.3,000 FTE stable-staff, trainers and point-topoint handlers (c.800), caterers (c.350), jockeys, agents and valets (c.300) and racecourse staff (c.300). A further c.7,000 jobs are attributable to directly related employment. This includes individuals in equine-related roles like veterinarians and farriers, as well as those working in related agricultural, and leisure roles. Total non-betting employment was 24,800 in 2022, up c.8% when compared to the 22,900 supported by the industry in 2016.

Secondary employment is estimated to total c.8,400 and includes roles that are supported by further spending in the Irish economy (the ‘ripple effect’). This supports jobs in the likes of the travel and accommodation sectors and the bar and restaurant trade. Furthermore, the betting sector in Ireland is intrinsically linked to Irish racing, and many fewer individuals would be employed should racing cease to exist.

The sector is estimated to employ c.5,550 FTEs, across individuals working in LBOs and the Head Offices of betting operators.Given that Ireland has a large proportion of its population residing in rural communities, agriculture holds a high level of significance, with the Breeding and Racing industry being a significant  contributor to agricultural employment. It also supports jobs in farriery, horse transport and veterinary/equine health.

Directly related employment relates to those jobs that whilst being heavily reliant on the Breeding and Racing industry, also serve other industry sectors and sub-sectors. These can include equine-related roles such as veterinarians and farriers, as well as roles in agriculture, leisure, and hospitality. This is estimated to total c.7,000 in 2022.

Jobs Board
The www.workinracing.ie website includes a Jobs Board with live opportunities available within the breeding, racing and administration sectors.

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Managers and proprietors in agriculture; Horticulture Managers; Proprietors in forestry, fishing and related services; Managers and proprietors in horse-racing and related industries.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Numbers employed in this occupation are too small to allow for any analysis. Employment permits issued in 2022 related to farm managers (including pig and dairy). 

• Careers & Racing Education (CARE)

  • Horse Racing Ireland Ballymany, The Curragh, Co. Kildare, Ireland, R56 XE37
  • (045) 455 455
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• The Association of Irish Racecourses GLG

  • 63 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2.
  • (01)-6760911
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Horse Racing Ireland (HRI)

  • Ballymany, The Curragh, Co. Kildare, Ireland, R56 XE37
  • (045) 455 455
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here