The Curragh, 20 November 2024 - The Directors of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) are pleased to announce the appointment of Conor Irving as Flat Handicapper.

A native of Belfast, Mr Irving will join the IHRB as Flat Handicapper on 1 December 2024 following Mark Bird’s appointment as Joint Senior National Hunt Handicapper alongside Shay Quinn upon the retirement of Sandy Shaw later this year. Conor, who previously worked as a primary school teacher, is a passionate racegoer and student of form, who possesses an in-depth knowledge of Irish and global horseracing, particularly in the area of handicapping and sectional timing.

Reacting to his appointment, Conor Irving said: “I am delighted to be appointed as the new Flat Handicapper for the IHRB. It is a privilege to bring my skills of handicapping and analysis to my passion of Irish Flat Racing. 

“As I embark on my new role I aim to continue the great work Mark Bird has done and wish him well in his new role as Joint Senior National Hunt Handicapper. I’m looking forward to working alongside Garry O’Gorman (Senior Flat Handicapper) as well as meeting all relevant stakeholders over the coming weeks and months. 

“Every race is a new challenge, and I am eager to explore the data that is now available including sectional times and form analysis to provide a level playing field for all participants.”

Welcoming the appointment, Darragh O’Loughlin, CEO of the IHRB commented: “We are all delighted to welcome Conor Irving to the dedicated team in the IHRB as someone who shares our commitment to the sport of horseracing and who understands the vision, purpose and values of the IHRB.

“Conor joins at a time of change in the IHRB as we continue to learn and improve as an organisation. We look forward to Conor playing his part in ensuring Irish horseracing remains accessible and competitive for horses of all abilities and exciting for both participants and spectators.”