About the IHRB
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) is the independent, all-island body responsible for regulating Irish horseracing. Established under the Horse Racing Ireland Act 2016, the IHRB is entrusted with enforcing the Rules of Racing, licensing industry participants, regulating anti-doping and handicapping, and representing Irish racing internationally.
The IHRB supports a €2.46 billion industry employing over 30,000 people, with approximately 150 staff and officials, including a core team of 30 at headquarters and over 100 professional racing officials across the country. Guided by our values - Professionalism, Excellence, Safety, Accountability, Respect, and Integrity - and our five Strategic Pillars (People, Integrity, Welfare, Digital First, Governance), the IHRB is committed to robust, transparent regulation and high-quality service to all stakeholders. Our governance practices adhere to the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, and we operate under a formal service level agreement with Horse Racing Ireland (HRI).
Job Purpose
This is a key regulatory administrative role providing administration support in relation to the Veterinary department. The role will report to the Chief Veterinary Officer.
Key Responsibilities
The principal responsibilities of the role will be:
1 Meeting/Training Administration - set up, minutes, actions (tracking):
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Veterinary & Equine Welfare Committee - meet 6 x/year, welfare and equine anti-doping.
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Veterinary Team Training - 4x/year - administration of meetings, maintenance of records of training in order that they are properly available at a number of levels.
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Authorised Officer Training - 4x/year, new responsibilities under legislation (AHWA/traceability - requires research, linkage with DAFM and reporting)- administration of meetings, maintenance of records of training in order that they are available at a number of levels.
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Welfare Strategic Delivery Group - monthly
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IHRB/HRI Equine Welfare Strategic Delivery meetings - monthly
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Racing Regulation and Integrity - weekly
2 Veterinary Project Administration:
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Post-Licensing Stable Inspection Programme
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Permanent Import testing Programme
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Equine Injury in Irish racing Risk Reduction Programme - administration to support/drive technical team on Fatality Review, Post-Mortem programme, Equine Medical Record collection and review, linkage meetings with BHA and other internationals in this area, Race Day Data Steering Group for Horse and Jockey Welfare, Stakeholder Education/Seminars.
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Veterinary Raceday Standards to include P2P - audit, monitoring and feedback.
3 Department administrative work to include being in the office for routine tasks for the 3 days not currently covered (answering telephone, dealing with equine anti-doping programme kit delivery and pick up, reception cover), part of the team that manage compliance with raceday veterinary data (non-runner follow up, injury follow up); R91(digital equine influenza vaccination certification); Suitability to Race Programme; support for field-based team.
4 Higher level drafting/proof reading/formatting of reports and Memos.
5 Administer investigations, including evidence and file management, ensuring records are effectively managed and ready for review before transfer to RR&I.
6 Production of correspondence, memos, presentations, reports and meeting packs to support the CVO and Senior Veterinary Team.
7 Administrative resilience for other teams including Point-to-Point, RR&I and Licensing.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
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A Level 6 (or higher) qualification in business management, administration, governance, or a related field.
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3-5 years' experience in an administration role, ideally in a regulated or public sector environment.
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Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and SharePoint.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
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Experience in a state agency, regulatory body, or the horseracing/sports sector.
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Familiarity with anti-doping, audit, or compliance processes.
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Experience with governance software or document management systems.
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Understanding of the Irish Thoroughbred Industry, Horse Racing Ireland Act 2016 and/or the Rules of Racing"
Other Relevant Qualities
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Adaptability: Comfortable in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
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Professionalism: Consistently represents the IHRB to a high standard.
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Collaborator: Works collaboratively within a small team and across departments.
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Commitment: Demonstrates genuine interest in horseracing, animal welfare, and regulatory excellence.
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Organisational Excellence: Able to juggle competing priorities and meet tight deadlines.
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Diligence: Accurate and thorough in preparing documents and maintaining records.
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Communication: Strong written and verbal communication, with a professional and courteous approach.
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Discretion: Trusted to manage sensitive and confidential material appropriately.
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IT Proficiency: Advanced skills in Microsoft Office and virtual meeting platforms (e.g., Teams, Zoom); comfortable with digital records and workflow tools.
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Initiative: Proactive and resourceful; able to anticipate needs and solve problems independently.
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Interpersonal Skills: Able to build trusted relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
Why Join the IHRB?
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Contribute to safeguarding the fairness, integrity and reputation of Irish horseracing.
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Work in a values-driven collaborative culture with a clear mission and purpose.
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Access opportunities for professional development in a unique regulatory environment.
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Competitive salary and benefits package, including contribution to pension scheme.
How to Apply
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CV (maximum 2 pages)
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Cover letter (maximum 1 page), addressing your suitability and alignment with the IHRB's values and mission.
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Contact details for two professional referees (references to be contacted only after offer
Interview Process: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, which may include a practical task.
Additional Notes for Applicants:
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Candidates must be eligible to work in Ireland.
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Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support board meetings, racecourse events, or international engagements.
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Familiarity with the horseracing industry or anti-doping regulations is advantageous but not essential, as training will be provided.
Location: The Curragh, Co. Kildare
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
