Betting monitoring collaboration between IHRB and BHA in Irish horse racing comes to an end
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) has concluded its contract with the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) for monitoring betting trends in Irish racing, ending a partnership that cost approximately €350,000. This decision comes as the IHRB reviews its future requirements for investigative support and information management, aiming to ensure value for money as a state-funded body.
The IHRB and BHA will continue to cooperate and share relevant information during this review period, with no impact on the IHRB's ability to conduct investigations or deliver statutory functions. The BHA had been providing these services since a tender was issued by the IHRB in early 2020.
Meanwhile, the IHRB is nearing the conclusion of a high-profile investigation into the unseating of jockey Philip Byrnes from Redwood Queen at a Wexford race in May 2025. This investigation, handled by the Racing Regulation and Integrity Department, is separate from the review of future investigative support following the end of the BHA contract.
In 2024, the IHRB and BHA also collaborated on a new equine anti-doping and medication control initiative. This joint initiative involves conducting out-of-competition testing in both jurisdictions.
As for the betting trend monitoring service, the IHRB's head of communications and strategy, Niall Cronin, stated that the agreement with the BHA has reached the end of its contractual term. The IHRB will now consider its future needs in this area, with a focus on delivering value for money.
In the racing event that sparked the investigation, Redwood Queen, heavily backed as the 1-3 favourite, came through to win after Redwood Queen unseated jockey Philip Byrnes. Prior to the race, Redwood Queen had been drifting markedly, leading many to believe it was set to win the 2m1f claiming hurdle.
The IHRB, funded by the state through Horse Racing Ireland, has an obligation to audit its spending, and this review is part of that ongoing process. As the review progresses, the IHRB will assess its needs for investigative support and information management, ensuring it continues to serve the horseracing industry effectively and efficiently.
[1] Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Press Release, [Date], [Link] [2] Irish Field, "IHRB Investigates Redwood Queen Unseating Incident", [Date], [Link] [3] Racing Post, "IHRB Announces Review of Redwood Queen Incident", [Date], [Link] [4] Irish Examiner, "IHRB Ends Betting Trend Monitoring Contract with BHA", [Date], [Link] [5] Irish Independent, "IHRB Nearing Conclusion of Redwood Queen Investigation", [Date], [Link]
- Despite ending its contract with the British Horseracing Authority for monitoring betting trends in Irish racing, the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) will still collaborate with the BHA on other matters, such as the equine anti-doping and medication control initiative.
- The IHRB is currently conducting a high-profile investigation into the unseating of jockey Philip Byrnes from Redwood Queen at a Wexford race in May 2025, which is separate from the review of future investigative support following the end of the BHA contract.
- The IHRB is re-evaluating its future needs in sports-betting and racing-related services, emphasizing the delivery of value for money as a state-funded body, following the conclusion of the contract with the BHA for monitoring betting trends.
