Money makes the world go round. This is especially true when speaking about equestrian sports, where a lot of funding is needed just to keep things running. The lack of funding can bring down even the most prestigious of bodies. According to a sad piece of news, Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) has shut down one of its most prominent centers owing to a lack of funds.

The building is said to be shut down due to several safety reasons. The center was one of the most visited equestrian bodies for the training of upcoming racing talent. Established over fifty years ago, it has now been shut down by the HRI.

Efforts to save the equestrian center

The Racing Academy and Center for Excellence, acronym RACE, is situated in Kildare and is one of the most impactful equestrian training bodies. The once great center currently lacks proper funding and requires €250,000 ($277,058) just to remain in function by the end of the year. It was found that the building needs some immediate maintenance work, without which staying on the premises is very risky. The students residing at the facility have been moved out, and accommodations have been arranged for them. The building, however, has temporarily stopped operations. According to The Journal, the government and local representatives are trying to save the center from a permanent shutdown. This is the latest crisis that has struck the Horse Racing Association.

RACE received direct funding worth €70 million from the government in 2022 via the Horse and Greyhound Fund. However, the social and non-profitable center is currently facing financial woes. Measures are being devised to salvage things in the best way possible without any immediate funding. According to a statement released by the HRI, “Work on the future model for RACE, and how RACE will deliver the future educational, training and industry requirements for the thoroughbred sector, is underway, and all participants and stakeholders will be involved in that work.”

The legacy of RACE

The place is a learning center that gives instructions to breeders, stable staff, racehorse trainers, and jockeys. The training center offers professional courses along with residential facilities. The non-profit group established RACE back in 1973 and guides young trainers and jockeys and makes them track-ready. 

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The center has not stopped the care and upkeep of horses present at their stables and has not announced any such plans for the time being. Auditors have been engaged to properly look at the funding and expenditure of the equestrian center, and efforts are being made to uplift the center back to proper working order.

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