National Hunt Handicapper - Raceday Operations

National Hunt Handicapper - Raceday Operations IHRB

Location: Hybrid / The Curragh, Curragh, Kildare, Ireland R56 Y668
job type: Permanent / Full or part-time
Sector and subsector: Non-profit Organizations Governance
Salary: Competitive salary

About the IHRB

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) is the independent, all-island body responsible for regulating Irish horseracing. Established under the Horse Racing Ireland Act 2016, the IHRB is entrusted with enforcing the Rules of Racing, licensing industry participants, regulating anti-doping and handicapping, and representing Irish racing internationally.

The IHRB supports a €2.46 billion industry employing over 30,000 people, with approximately 150 staff and officials, including a core team of 30 at headquarters and over 100 professional racing officials across the country. Guided by our values - Professionalism, Excellence, Safety, Accountability, Respect, and Integrity - and our five Strategic Pillars (People, Integrity, Welfare, Digital First, Governance), the IHRB is committed to robust, transparent regulation and high-quality service to all stakeholders. Our governance practices adhere to the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, and we operate under a formal service level agreement with Horse Racing Ireland (HRI).

Job Purpose

The purpose of the role is to assess and rate the ability and performance of horses competing in Ireland and Irish-trained NH horses racing abroad, within strict deadlines. It also involves evaluating overseas horses entering Irish races, maintaining performance and overall ratings, explaining handicapping decisions to owners and trainers, and supporting the Senior NH Handicapper with data analysis and project work. The position will be based remotely with a significant amount of working from home. Attendance at race meetings as required.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing a numeric assessment of the ability of horses that run in Ireland under NH Rules and Irish-trained horses that run abroad under NH rules within strict, prescribed deadlines.
• Establishing the merit of any given horse's performance.
• Assessing the abilities of horses based in other jurisdictions that are seeking to compete in Ireland.
• Where appropriate, issue a performance rating for each horse every time it runs as well as an overall or master figure for each horse.
• Responding to queries from Owners and Trainers as required providing information and explaining policy and individual handicapping decisions.
• Assisting the Senior NH Handicapper with data analysis and undertaking project work as necessary.
• Attending HRI Programming Committees and representing IHRB in other fora as required.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Demonstrate extensive knowledge and understanding of horse racing and an established understanding of Handicapping and race reading.
• Relevant experience in Handicapping methodologies and analysis of the performance of racehorses.
• Excellent inter-personal and teamwork skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically with colleagues, stakeholders and the media if required.
• Strong understanding of data analysis and/or previous experience of working in an analytical environment.
• An effective team player who is capable of inspiring the trust and confidence of colleagues and stakeholders.
• Meticulous attention to detail and organisational skills with high-quality work output.
• Ability to work both independently, collaboratively and with a high degree of flexibility, to take ownership of processes and projects, and to meet strict deadlines in a dynamic and fast paced work environment.
• Full Clean Drivers Licence and access to own vehicle.

Other Relevant Qualities

• Analytical Background: Strong capability to process complex numerical data, statistical evaluation, and historical performance metrics.
• Adaptability: Comfortable in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Flexibility: Able to attend rescheduled fixtures and the resultant changing deadlines.
• Professionalism: Consistently represents the IHRB to a high standard.
• Collaborator: Works collaboratively within a small team and across departments.
• Commitment: Demonstrates genuine interest in horseracing and regulatory excellence.
• Organisational Excellence: Able to juggle competing priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Diligence: Accurate and thorough in preparing documents and maintaining records.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication, with a professional and courteous approach.
• Discretion: Trusted to manage sensitive and confidential material appropriately.
• IT Proficiency: Advanced skills in Microsoft Office and virtual meeting platforms (e.g.Teams, Zoom); comfortable with digital records and workflow tools.
• Initiative: Proactive and resourceful; able to anticipate needs and solve problems independently.
• Interpersonal Skills: Able to build trusted relationships with stakeholders at all levels.

Why Join the IHRB?

• Contribute to safeguarding the fairness, integrity and reputation of Irish horseracing.
• Work in a values-driven collaborative culture with a clear mission and purpose.
• Access opportunities for professional development in a unique regulatory environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package, including contribution to pension scheme.

Interview Process:

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, which may include a practical task.

• Candidates must be eligible to work in Ireland.
• This role involves regular work onevenings, weekends and many Bank Holidays.