Paul Hensey has been appointed as the new CEO of the Association of Irish Racecourses. He will take over from Paddy Walsh, who is retiring after 20 years in the position on March 31st.
Hensey will start working at the end of January in order to complete a full handover of responsibilities.
He is no stranger to Horse Racing having worked as General Manager at the Curragh for 15 years and most recently as the Chief Operating Officer at Al Shaqab Racing, a role which saw him based mainly between Doha, Qatar and France.
While working at The Curragh Racecourse, he was an active member of the Association of Irish Racecourses. During this time, the popular manager was elected by the membership to serve two terms on the board of the organisation.
The Association of Irish Racecourses is a not-for-profit organisation which represents the collective interests of those who own and operate Ireland’s twenty-six racecourses nationwide.
Conor O’Neill, Chairman of the Association and CEO at Punchestown Racecourse welcomed the appointment this morning.
“Over the last few months, AIR has embarked on a competitive public recruitment process to find our incoming CEO.”
“Following a meeting of the board of AIR on Thursday, I am delighted to announce that Paul Hensey’s appointment was formally approved. Paul will take over the reins from Paddy Walsh when he retires from office at the end of March.”
“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Paul on his appointment and welcome him on behalf of the board and our members. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our outgoing CEO Paddy Walsh who has played an integral role in the association and indeed the wider industry for decades.”
“It has been my pleasure to work alongside him during my time as Chairman of the association and although we still have plenty of work to do between now and then I wish him the very best and every good wish for his retirement.”
“I am delighted with the appointment and feel this role really plays to my strengths,” added Hensey.
“I am extremely proud of and passionate about the Irish horse racing product and I’m very much looking forward to getting involved in the racecourse side of the industry once again. Having been a member of the Association of Irish Racecourses for many years, I am keenly aware of the importance of this association, and the role it plays for our members and I am very much looking forward to getting started.”
Sport for Business Perspective:
The Association of Irish Racecourses has a key role to play in the negotiation of media rights deals for all 26 racecourses in Ireland. There are often tensions between the smaller tracks and Horse racing Ireland which itself is a track owner as well. Hensey’s knowledge of the local game and the personalities, as well as his overseas experience makes him look like a very good fit. The current media rights deal is currently being teased out ahead of coming into effect at the start of 2024.
