Horse Racing Ireland and Greyhound Racing Ireland will share €102 million in Government funding in 2027, up €2.9 million from the current year, with additional investment explicitly linked to improvements in animal welfare and integrity across both industries.

The allocation, announced by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon as part of Budget 2027, represents an almost three per cent increase in the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund, distributed 80:20 between the two sports.

Horse Racing Ireland will receive €81.6 million, up €2.3 million, while Greyhound Racing Ireland will receive €20.4 million, up €580,000.

The greyhound allocation passes the €20 million threshold for the first time since the fund was established in 2001.

Minister Heydon has made clear that the increased allocation carries expectations beyond the continued operation and development of the two industries.

“The proposed increase in the Fund will be linked to the implementation of the Indecon Review’s recommendations in respect of equine and greyhound welfare and integrity,” he said.

The emphasis places animal welfare, transparency and regulatory standards alongside the traditional economic and employment arguments that have supported Government investment in racing.

It also signals that the industries’ performance in implementing reform will remain an important element of the relationship with Government.

The additional €2.3 million boosts horse racing, after two years when its allocation remained at €79.3 million.

The organisation is preparing for a record programme of 396 race meetings in 2027 and continuing its efforts to develop prize money, racecourse infrastructure and the wider commercial strength of Irish racing.

However, the increase falls short of the funding trajectory envisaged in HRI’s strategic planning, which projected Government support reaching about €88 million in 2027.

That leaves a difference of around €6.4 million between the allocation announced and the earlier planning ambition.

The decision not to increase betting duty, which remains at two per cent, also provided additional encouragement for the horse racing industry. This provides betting operators with a degree of certainty as the sector continues to adapt to the evolving gambling regulatory environment.  Almost half of the betting shops that existed ten years ago have gone as that industry has moved largely online.

Industry coverage has characterised the increase as positive, although HRI has not yet confirmed a detailed formal response to the final allocation.

The €20.4 million allocation to Greyhound Racing Ireland marks a new high in annual Exchequer support for the industry.

The organisation has responded cautiously to the announcement, saying it has yet to decide how it will deploy the additional resources.

 

 

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