Horse Racing Ireland (HRI)

Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial semi‑state body responsible for the overall administration, development and promotion of the horse racing industry in Ireland, including racecourse infrastructure, prize money, integrity services and industry supports. It operates and funds racecourses, betting facilities and related services across the country, and manages significant capital and grant programmes for the sector. Procurement is centrally coordinated from its Ballymany, The Curragh headquarters, with a dedicated procurement function using eTenders for competitive processes.[1] Core procurement categories include professional and financial consultancy services, ICT and digital systems, construction and facilities upgrades for racecourses, marketing and media services, and specialist equine and racing-related services.

Strategic Context

HRI’s spending and procurement activity is closely tied to Exchequer allocations channelled through the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and to commercial income from racing and betting operations.[2] Recent programmes have focused on upgrading racecourse facilities, improving customer experience, and enhancing data, integrity and regulatory systems, which drives demand for professional services, ICT, and capital works. Prize‑money structures, industry supports and capital investment in racecourses are periodically revised in line with government budget decisions, affecting the timing and scale of procurements for consultancy, infrastructure and operational services.

Typical Suppliers

Irish and UK financial and management consultancy firms providing advisory services on strategy, finance, governance and capital planning[1]
Engineering, architecture and project management practices delivering racecourse and facilities design, refurbishment and capital works
IT and digital solution providers supplying racing data systems, ticketing and customer relationship platforms, integrity and regulatory technology
Marketing, media production and event management agencies supporting race meetings, sponsorship activation and international promotion
Specialist equine and racing service providers, including track maintenance, veterinary and integrity-related services tied to racecourse operations

Supplier Tips

Monitor HRI notices on eTenders and prepare to respond to professional services tenders with clear evidence of sector‑relevant experience; HRI typically specifies detailed technical and sectoral competencies in consultancy competitions.[1]
Align proposals with HRI’s strategic focus on racecourse modernisation, customer experience and data/integrity improvements, demonstrating how your services support regulatory compliance, operational resilience and value for money in a semi‑state environment.
Engage early where possible by following HRI and the Department of Agriculture’s published plans and budget announcements, tailoring capability statements and case studies to racing, sports venue or regulated-industry contexts to stand out in competitions.

Updated 19 July 2026