Majority of Irish Racecourses Vote In Favour of Media Rights Deal

Tuesday, 9 May 2023 15:39

By Clem Ryan

EGM off the Association of Irish Racecourses (AIR), at the Keadeen Hotel in Newbridge.

An overwhelming majority of Irish racecourses vote in favour of AIR proposal on Media Rights Deal

Today, at an extraordinary general meeting of the Association of Irish Racecourses (AIR), at the Keadeen Hotel in Newbridge, representatives of all 26 Irish Racecourses gathered. The purpose of the meeting was to vote on the recommendation by the HRI Media Rights Committee’s proposed deal with RMG and SIS which was unanimously supported by the AIR Board.

Twenty-one racecourses have passed the AIR resolutions set out today, thus agreeing to their representation by the association to conclude a deal based on the recommendation of the HRI Media Rights Committee and AIR.

Five tracks have rejected the deal. These include Kilbeggan, Roscommon, Sligo, Limerick and Thurles.

Chairman of AIR, Conor O’Neill commented “It’s a fantastic deal and I’m delighted for the 21 racecourses who have signed up to secure it today. I would like to thank the Board of AIR and our CEO Paul Hensey for their hard work and support. I would also like to especially thank our former CEO Paddy Walsh who has worked tirelessly on achieving the best possible deal for our members and the HRI Media Rights Committee whose commitment has been extraordinary throughout the entire process.”

Although it's disappointing that it was not approved by all, today is a very positive day for the future of Irish racing, let’s not take away from that. I look forward to continuing our partnership with SIS and RMG for the overwhelming majority of Irish Racecourses subject to the approval by the HRI Board on Friday.”