Equine industries support 1,200 jobs in the Midlands says new report

The horse breeding and racing industries generate an economic return of nearly €100 million per annum in counties Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath, and support 1,200 jobs.

These are the headline findings of a new Regional Economic Impact Study conducted by Horse Racing Ireland and Deloitte published on Friday which highlights the economic reach of the industry in the midlands.

The breeding sector is the primary contributor to the direct economic impact of the industry in the region. More than 460 breeders are registered in Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath with a broodmare population of over 1,150. The region’s mares produce in excess of 650 foals each year.

Tally Ho Stud in Mullingar is among the most notable breeding operations, while on a smaller scale, Paddy Beehan from Portarlington in County Laois is renowned as the breeder of multiple Grade 1 and Cheltenham Festival winner Altior, the current two-mile champion chaser.

There are around 25 trainers in the four counties, predominantly National Hunt focused. One of the best-known training yards in the region is Charlestown Stud in Mullingar run by Dot Love and Ciaran Murphy who enjoyed Irish Grand National success with Liberty Counsel in 2013.

Athlone trainer Tom Cleary runs a successful dual-purpose yard just outside the town.

Kilbeggan racecourse in County Westmeath is the focal point of the racing industry in the region. Hugely popular with racegoers and industry professionals, this thriving National Hunt only racecourse is currently gearing up for the highlight of its year, the Axa Smart Farm Insurance Midlands National Handicap Chase next Friday, July 19. With prizemoney of €100,000, it is the richest race ever staged at the track.

Gigginstown House Stud, based just outside Mullingar and operated by the O’Leary brothers Michael and Eddie, is the champion National Hunt owner in Ireland for the last five years.

The stud's maroon and white colours are among the most recognisable and have been carried to success by Tiger Roll in the last two renewals of the Aintree Grand National.

Another notable industry figure from the region is Pat Smullen, who hails from Rhode, County Offaly. A nine-time champion Flat jockey, Pat recently retired from the saddle and has been announced as ambassador for this year’s Longines Irish Champions Weekend.

Brian Kavanagh, CEO of Horse Racing Ireland, said: “This new report really does underline the incredible impact the industry has on every region in the country. The counties of Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath boast a rich history of breeding and racing and it is very much an ambition of Horse Racing Ireland to build on the success of both industries in the Midlands, increasing the numbers employed and adding to an already impressive contribution to the local economy.”