Sport

Attracting fan-owners and TikTokers key to Irish racing’s growth

The commercial head of Horse Racing Ireland said the sport is thriving here across all levels

Paul Dermody, chief executive of HRI Racecourses: ‘You have racing, which is the sporting bit, but you’ve got a layer of socialising, and music, entertainment, food, fashion, all building up on top of the sport’Inpho

Not all sports bodies can encourage the average punter to take a stake directly in the sport they love, but Horse Racing Ireland sees the growth of fan-owners as a way to grow interest.

Paul Dermody, chief executive of HRI Racecourses, and director of commercial and marketing, said syndicates or racing clubs is where the organisation sees more growth potential.

“I’m absolutely convinced of it. Other markets, like Australia, are seeing huge growth in syndicates ...