HRI reshuffles its pack with heightened focus on equine welfare

Horse Racing Ireland has signalled its commitment to equine welfare by announcing that John Osborne will take up a new role within the organisation as director of equine welfare and bloodstock.

In a related move, former commercial and marketing director Paul Dermody was revealed as Osborne's successor as chief executive of HRI Racecourses, which comprise of Leopardstown, Fairyhouse, Navan and Tipperary.

The reshuffle, which comes in the week HRI released its budget for next year, marks the organisation’s heightened focus on welfare.

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Brian Kavanagh, HRI chief executive, said: “We're delighted to appoint John Osborne to the position of director of equine welfare and bloodstock.

“John’s vast experience in the racing and breeding industry, together with his formal qualifications as a veterinary surgeon, means he will bring a unique set of skills to an area that will be a priority for Horse Racing Ireland and the industry in 2020.”

Kavanagh added: “He will also have responsibility for HRI’s liaison with the bloodstock industry, including oversight of Irish Thoroughbred Marketing.

“We're fortunate to have someone with the commercial and marketing experience of Paul Dermody to step into the position of chief executive of HRI Racecourses and since being appointed as Horse Racing Ireland commercial and marketing director in 2017, Paul has shown that he has the full range of relevant skills and experience to add this new role to his brief.”

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Osborne is a former chairman of County Kildare Fáilte and a former chief executive of the Irish National Stud. Since 2017, he has been CEO of HRI Racecourses.

Speaking about his new role, Osborne said: “HRI recognises that we must have the highest standards of care for people and horses in this industry.

“I'm delighted to be given the opportunity to ensure that everything we do meets the high expectations of all who look on. If our horses could talk, I would like to think they would say they have a life well lived.”

Kavanagh concluded: “Horse welfare is the single biggest issue facing racing authorities worldwide and John’s appointment reflects the priority which the board of Horse Racing Ireland are putting on it.

"There are exciting developments at the HRI-owned racecourses and working with the racecourse teams, Paul will deliver on our ambitions for these racecourses.”

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