The Irish Harness Racing Association (IHRA) is pleased to inform members that our application under the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) Equine Traceability Grant has been successfully approved, with €68,000 awarded to support significant improvements to our traceability systems.
Background to the DAFM Equine Traceability Grant
DAFM launched the Equine Traceability Grant in response to growing national and EU-level focus on equine welfare, accountability, and regulatory oversight. Accurate and timely traceability is recognised as a cornerstone of good equine welfare, ensuring that horses can be tracked throughout their lifetime—from birth and racing, through ownership changes, retirement, and death.
Without robust traceability systems, horses are more vulnerable to neglect, mistreatment, and regulatory non-compliance. This grant scheme was therefore established to support Passport Issuing Authorities and industry bodies in modernising systems and strengthening safeguards across the equine sector.
Summary of the IHRA Application
As the recognised Passport Issuing Authority for trotters and pacers in Ireland, and as a member of both the European Trotting Union and the World Trotting Association, the IHRA submitted a proposal aimed at bringing Irish harness racing traceability standards in line with international best practice. The project draws on leading international models—particularly Australia—where comprehensive lifetime traceability is embedded within the rules of racing.
What the €68,000 Funding Will Deliver
The approved funding will allow the IHRA to deliver the following improvements:
- System upgrades enabling real-time updates of:
- Horse movements (domestic and international)
- Ownership transfers
- Imports and exports
- Death notifications
- Integration with the Trainer System, allowing owners and trainers to update required information directly through a secure, user-friendly digital platform
- Enhanced passport security, including the introduction of QR codes to improve traceability and prevent fraud
These upgrades will significantly strengthen transparency, accuracy, and regulatory compliance across the sector .
Next Steps and Member Impact
As previously outlined in the application, the IHRA will now progress with:
- Updates to the IHRA Rulebook to formally include traceability requirements
- Making traceability compliance mandatory for licence renewal and new licence applications
- Rolling out compulsory online educational seminars to ensure all members understand their obligations, with mandatory participation from 2026 onward
Further details and timelines will be communicated to members as implementation progresses.
This funding award represents a major step forward for our industry. It strengthens equine welfare, aligns the IHRA with DAFM’s national objectives, and ensures our sector continues to meet the highest international standards. The IHRA thanks members for their ongoing cooperation and looks forward to delivering these important improvements in partnership with DAFM.