The IRE Incentive Scheme has emerged as a transformative initiative in the world of horse racing and breeding. Designed to support Irish-bred racehorses, the program offers a €10,000 sales bonus to owners whose horses triumph in designated races across Britain and Ireland. Since its inception in 2021, this collaborative effort between Irish Thoroughbred Marketing (ITM), Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), and the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (ITBA) has generated over €27 million in bloodstock sales. By providing financial incentives for reinvestment, it not only strengthens the Irish thoroughbred industry but also fosters a vibrant ecosystem where breeders, trainers, and owners thrive together.
A Closer Look at the IRE Incentive Scheme
In the heart of the equine world, an innovative program is making waves. Established in 2021, the IRE Incentive Scheme aims to bolster Irish-bred racehorses by rewarding their victories with tangible benefits. Horses qualifying under this scheme are easily recognizable at auctions thanks to a distinctive green hip sticker marking them as part of the initiative. To date, the program has seen participation from over 839 incentive races spread evenly between Britain and Ireland, resulting in more than 500 winners eligible for bonuses. Each winner receives a €10,000 voucher valid for purchasing Irish-breds at any auction within Ireland before the end of the following year.
Trainers like Ollie Pears from North Yorkshire have experienced firsthand how impactful this scheme can be. His horse, Inconspicuous, secured victory in an IRE Incentive race at York last June. This achievement translated into substantial returns—prize money alongside the bonus—and even led to a successful post-race auction sale. Similarly, Declan Carroll appreciates the opportunities provided by these specialized races, emphasizing their role in encouraging reinvestment among owners. For enthusiasts such as Bev Hendry, based in Florida, the scheme represents much more than just financial gain; it symbolizes community spirit and shared success stories.
In 2025, the scheme continues its mission with over 200 planned incentive races catering to diverse categories including novice contests, fillies' Listed events, and jump races. Whether competing at prestigious levels or starting out modestly, every participant stands to benefit significantly through increased exposure and valuable resources offered by the IRE Incentive Program.
From a journalist's perspective, observing the ripple effect created by initiatives like the IRE Incentive Scheme reveals profound insights about sustainability and growth within niche industries. It demonstrates that targeted interventions designed around accessibility and simplicity can yield remarkable outcomes far exceeding initial expectations. Beyond monetary rewards, what truly shines through is the sense of camaraderie fostered amongst participants who collectively contribute towards advancing the entire sector forward.
This story serves as a testament to how strategic planning combined with genuine passion can lead to lasting positive change—not only benefiting individual stakeholders involved but also enriching broader communities connected to this cherished tradition of horse racing and breeding excellence.
