Where to start

Training fees vary from trainer to trainer. Daily rates range from €45 to €70 per day per horse.  On average training fees in Ireland cost €1,700 a month and generally include basic additional costs.

It is wise to get a break down of costs from your trainer to include daily training fee and any additional costs such as farrier, veterinary, gallop fees, transport, race day expenses, etc. 

Where to source your horse is obviously one of the first decisions a new owner will make. Many owners look to their trainer for guidance.

There are a number of options when sourcing a racehorse:

• Bloodstock Sales
• Through a trainer or bloodstock agent
• ‘Claiming’ Races
• Buy a share in a horse through a syndicate or club
• Lease a horse

There are options to match almost any budget. Check out our source your horse section for further explanation on these options.  

At the time of registration with Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), a minimum lodgement of €500 (€1,000 for clubs & companies) is required to keep a working balance in the account.

This initial lodgement covers your registration fees and leaves funds in your account to cover the cost of your first run. 

Once registered as an owner with Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) you will have access to a personal HRI customer account to manage your daily racing activity such as entries and prize money distribution. The HRI customer account system is called RÁS.

Owners can view all transactions processed through their account, search historical records or print off statements etc.

For more information on the RAS system contact Client Accounts on +353 (0)45 455444.

Race entry costs vary depending on the value of the race however on average it costs approx. €350 to enter a race. If a horse is balloted from a race you will be returned your entry and declaration fee and obviously you will not be charged a jockey fee.

Race Entry Breakdown:

**Higher charges apply for pattern, group and listed races.
 #Subject to VAT 13.5% if the jockey is VAT registered

The minimum total prize fund for any race in Ireland is €10,000. The prize fund increases depending on the type of race. Prize money is allocated to connections up to 6th place. On average 70% of owners win prize money in Ireland.

For a more detailed breakdown on prize money allocation see here.