The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) is the Regulatory Body for horseracing in Ireland. Horse racing in Ireland is a €2.5 billion industry and supports more than 30,000 jobs. The IHRB is based in The Curragh, Co Kildare and is responsible for assuring public trust in Irish horseracing and safeguarding its reputation through robust and transparent regulatory practices, implemented with uncompromising integrity by a focused and professional team. Our Statement of Strategy 2024-2027 includes a commitment to excellence through agility and continuous improvement of rules, structures and processes.

An opportunity now exists for a Flat Handicapper reporting to the Raceday Operations Manager. Working closely with the Senior Flat Handicapper as part of a three person team and liaising closely with Horse Racing Ireland’s Racing Department, this is an important and challenging role with collective responsibility for ensuring that, where applicable, weights are apportioned to each horse in a handicap and are allotted to equalise their chances of winning.

 PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Providing a numeric assessment of the ability of horses that run in Ireland under Rules of Racing and Irish-trained horses that run abroad on the flat within strict prescribed deadlines
• Establishing the merit of any given horse’s performance.
• Assessing the abilities of horses based in other jurisdictions that are seeking to compete in Ireland.
• Where applicable, issue a performance rating for each horse every time it runs as well as an overall or master figure for each horse.
• Responding to queries from Owners and Trainers as required providing information and explaining policy and individual handicapping decisions
• Assisting the Senior Flat Handicapper with data analysis and undertaking project work as necessary
• Attending HRI Programming Committees and representing IHRB in other fora as required

 KEY REQUIREMENTS 

• Demonstrate extensive knowledge and understanding of horse racing and an established understanding of Handicapping and race reading
• Have a consistent meticulous approach to  analysis of the performance of racehorses
• Excellent inter-personal and teamwork skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically with colleagues, stakeholders and the media if required.
• Strong understanding of data analysis and/or previous experience of working in an analytical environment
• An effective team player who is capable of inspiring the trust and confidence of colleagues and stakeholders
• Meticulous attention to detail and organisational skills with high quality work output
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively  and with a high degree of flexibility, to take ownership of processes and projects, and to meet strict deadlines in a dynamic and fast paced work environment

The position will be based remotely with a significant amount of working from home. Attendance at race meetings as required. Given that racing is a seven-day sport, this role requires a willingness to work with a high degree of flexibility including availability on evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays. Travel abroad may be required on occasion.

The remuneration package will reflect the responsibilities of the position and experience of applicants and the annual salary range will be €60,000 – €80,000. Travel and subsistence allowances will be paid in line with organisational policies and other approved expenses will be reimbursed. The initial contract will be for a two-year fixed period and subject to review.

If you are interested in the position, please submit a comprehensive CV and a covering letter clearly setting out why you should be considered and what you would bring to the role.

Applications by post or email to: HR@ihrb.ie. Informal enquiries to jennifer.walsh@ihrb.ie

Closing date for applications is Wednesday, 24 July 2024. 

IHRB is an equal opportunities employer