FREE first aid training for people working in Irish horse racing and breeding will be offered at Fairyhouse, the Curragh and Cork Racecourse this November and December.

Fully funded by HRI Health & Safety in collaboration with the ITBA, IHRB, and the Order of Malta, the one-day course covers concussion, CPR, defibrillator use, injury management and responding to incidents such as falls and horse kicks.

Upcoming courses run from 10.15am to 3.30pm:

  • Wednesday, November 4th, Fairyhouse Racecourse
  • Monday, November 16th, the Curragh Racecourse
  • Thursday, December 10th, Cork Racecourse

    • The course is certified by IHRB senior medical officer Dr Jennifer Pugh and the Order of Malta, with certificates provided to participants.

    HRI’s Colin Kehoe said: “Knowing what to do in an emergency can make a real difference. These free courses give people practical skills and confidence to respond when a colleague needs help, and we encourage everyone working in the industry to take part.”

    To register, complete the form at equuip.ie/health-safety. For further information, contact Colin Kehoe at ckehoe@hri.ie or 086 442 5226.

    Equuip facilitates free counselling

    EQUUIP’S Industry Assistance Programme is now provided by Lena by Inspire, offering free, confidential support to everyone working in the Irish thoroughbred racing and breeding industry and their immediate families.

    Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the programme helps people navigate personal and work-related challenges, including stress, anxiety, bereavement, relationship difficulties and workplace pressures.

    Support includes an Irish-based helpline and access to qualified counsellors, with counselling available face-to-face, by telephone or by video. An online Support Hub also provides information, self-help tools and wellbeing resources.

    Equuip’s Stacey McDonnell said: “Everyone faces challenges from time to time and we want people working in racing to know that support is there. The Industry Assistance Programme offers a free, confidential space to talk and get help, whenever you need it.”

    To access support, call 1800 201 346 or email support@lenabyinspire.com. To explore the online resources, visit lenasupporthub.com and register using the PIN HRIHUB.

    Web: equuip.ie/industry-assistance-programme.