Brian Kavanagh: A Legacy of Leadership in Irish Racing Brian Kavanagh has held numerous operational roles in the Irish racing industry over a long and distinguished career, ensuring his name is intrinsically linked with the sport. About Kavanagh is one of the most distinguished administrators in Irish racing. He held the position as manager of the Curragh between 1994 and 1999 before transitioning to Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) where he would spend more than two decades at the helm. After his initial stint at the Curragh, Kavanagh succeeded Cahir O'Sullivan as CEO of The Turf Club. The government of the time sought for change in the structure of racing, leading to the establishment of HRI — a semi-state body created to guide the Irish racing industry with Kavanagh installed as CEO at the turn of the century. In the first quarter of this century, Irish racing has enjoyed unparalleled success on the global stage. Kavanagh steered the ship for much of that journey before being re-appointed as CEO of The Curragh Racecourse in 2022. In 2024, Kavanagh was honoured by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) in Paris. He had served as vice-chair of the IFHA for almost 19 years and was also chairman of the European Pattern Committee and European and Mediterranean Horseracing Federation. The IFHA praised Kavanagh for his 'tireless dedication and unwavering commitment' as well as his many years of 'leadership, wise counsel and friendship' to the international racing community, of which the IFHA represents more than 60 global racing authorities. In his time as head of HRI, Kavanagh was challenged into navigating three major crises of global proportions that impacted on racing. The post-2008 economic recession period meant a period of sustained uncertainty for horse racing in Ireland following the boom of the Celtic Tiger era. Then came Brexit and the problems associated with the UK's 2016 referendum decision to leave the European Union and, finally, the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020 and the resulting struggle to bring racing back after the initial lockdown that spring. Did you know? When Kavanagh was preparing to make his exit from HRI, some of the country's leading trainers felt it was a move laced with danger to allow him step down. Jim Bolger said it would be a 'tragedy for Irish racing' if Kavanagh left the top job, while Willie Mullins added he felt state guidelines might need to be looked at, arguing that letting him go would be 'a bit like shooting ourselves in the foot'. Irish government guidelines decree that semi-state CEOs should serve only a single seven-year term.
