No increase in government funding for Irish racing with budget contribution to remain at €79.3m

The Irish government's contribution to racing in 2026 will remain at €79.3 million after it was revealed the 2026 budget would include no increase to funding for Horse Racing Ireland (HRI).

Last year, HRI enjoyed a 4.3 per cent increase on the 2024 figure of €76m as horse and greyhound funding reached the highest level of its 23-year history when €99.1m was allocated, 80 per cent of which goes to racing.

In April 2024, HRI unveiled its five-year strategic plan, which included annual growth in revenues available from the horse and greyhound racing fund as one of its key performance indicators. 

The plan also presented a financial objective of increasing state funding to €92.4m by 2028, made up of €77.4m in revenue from the government and €15m in capital. To achieve this, it forecast a 2026 figure of €83.8m, a five per cent increase on the previous year's figure, but no such extra funding will be available.

However, there has been a reduction from €16m to €14m in the amount ringfenced for capital development, leaving an extra €2m for HRI to allocate elsewhere.

A statement from HRI said: "Horse Racing Ireland acknowledge the continued support of the department of agriculture, food and the marine through the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund and note today’s budget announcement of no increase to the total fund allocation of €99.1m for 2026, of which €79.3m [80 per cent] is allocated to the horse racing sector, with €14m ringfenced for capital development. 

"HRI's budgeting process for 2026 is under way and will be focused on prioritising spends on key strategic deliverables in line with the HRI Strategic Plan 2024–2028."

HRI used last year's increase to raise the minimum levels of prize-money in Listed and Group/Graded races on the Flat and over jumps, injecting an extra €1m in prize-money and bringing the total to €70.9m, while equine welfare activities and welfare-grant funding, investment in industry education and training, integrity funding and the point-to-point sector also enjoyed increases.

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