HRI to encourage new owners with a week of webinars

Next month, the world of horse racing will become available for fans of the sport to experience virtually. The inaugural ‘Race Behind the Scenes’ week, which takes place from Monday 14th September-Friday 18th September, will see 20 of Ireland’s most respected racehorse trainers and owners speak at different webinars.

Horse Racing Ireland Ownership has teamed up with skilled racehorse trainers, owners and some famous faces including Olympian, Derval O’Rourke, to enable racing fans and potential racehorse owners to learn more about horse racing, by hearing firsthand from some of the most respected figures in the industry.

They will be sharing unique behind the scenes insights about the horse racing world with members of the public who register for free on racehorseownership.ie/rbs in advance of the events.

Covering a broad range of topics, the webinars will explore all areas of horse racing. Olympian, bestselling author and racehorse owner, Derval O’Rourke will join trainer Joseph O’Brien for a one-off discussion that compares the training routines of athletes to equines.

RTE broadcaster Hugh Cahill will introduce Ireland’s leading trainers, finding out what it is really like to train a champion racehorse and other well-known horse racing personalities and owners will discuss their passion for the sport.

Speaking about the Horse Racing Ireland Ownership Race Behind the Scenes week, leading trainer, Noel Meade said: "These past few months, the horse racing event calendar has been quieter than usual. Access to training yards has been limited but thanks to this initiative people will have unlimited virtual access to many training yards across the country while staying safe at home.

"I am delighted to be involved in ‘Race Behind the Scenes’ week, where a series of webinars will provide racing fans with access to the horse racing world like never before. These webinars and a dedicated website are the perfect opportunity for anyone interested in horse racing or potential racehorse ownership, to meet trainers and owners virtually, learn about what happens in between race meetings and what it takes to become a horse racing champion. Learning more about the horse racing industry has never been so easy, you don’t even have to move outside the four walls of your home! I look forward to speaking at and attending the webinars during September 14th-18th."

Amber Byrne, Owner Development Manager, Horse Racing Ireland, commented: "While Covid-19 restrictions might prevent many of us from coming together to enjoy and learn more about horse racing right now, we have launched a week dedicated to educating horse racing fans about the industry virtually. A microsite and week-long webinar series will give people the opportunity to learn more about racehorse training and ownership from the world’s best.

"Those visiting the microsite will have the chance to experience something unique and tour a trainer's yard from their own home, while hearing first-hand from owners about the thrill of ownership. Several racehorse owners and trainers will also speak at various webinars scheduled across the week. Webinar places are limited, so I would encourage anyone interested in attending the webinars to register their interest today".