Reducing the risk of injury to racehorses on track, particularly fatal injury, is a significant challenge to racing jurisdictions world-wide and is a core pillar of the IHRB strategy. To this end, the Board initiated the Equine Injury in Irish Racing Risk Reduction (EIIRRR) Project to determine, analyse and mitigate risk factors for racing-related equine injuries in Ireland and to identify opportunities to improve safety for our horses and riders.

The Project’s findings have led to an enhancement of the IHRB’s raceday equine veterinary inspection programme, new standards for racecourse trot-up areas, implementation of an evidence-based risk assessment for raceday injury which includes engagement with trainers and vets before previously injured horses can return to racing.  IHRB Clerks of the Course also work closely with racecourses to ensure that the track is presented on raceday in such a way as to minimise risk of injury.

Further details of the EIIRRR Project can be found in the full report available by click here