Horse Racing Ireland
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Meet the team

The purpose of Horse Racing Ireland's equuip departement is to attract new people to the horse racing and breeding industry by showcasing careers and opportunities available. Developing our people to enhance their skills and build their careers and making sure the correct supports are available for all employers to retain their people. 


Get in touch with us at: equuip@hri.ie

OUR PEOPLE

Carol Nolan ▼

Carol is Horse Racing Ireland's Director of People and Industry Education. Carol established the Careers and Racing Education Department with the support of the HRI Board in Spring 2015. The role has the responsibility for setting the strategy and vision for careers, education and training for the racing and breeding industry working in consultation with industry stakeholders, employers and individuals employed in the industry. A commitment to open up the possibilities of a career in the racing and breeding industry to more people living, working and studying in Ireland is at the heart of Carol's vision. 

Elaine Burke ▼

Elaine is the equuip Manager, she works with the team to deliver on equuip’s key areas. Attracting new people to the industry by showcasing careers and opportunities available. Developing our people to enhance their skills and build their careers and making sure the correct supports are available for all employers to retain their people.

What we do
  • Information and access for those trying to get into the industry.
  • Education and training for those trying to get on in the industry.
  • Health and wellbeing services for everyone who wants it. 
Email eburke@hri.ie

Aine O'Connor ▼

Aine is our equuip Co-Ordinator. Aine is an amateur Jockey who still rides regularly in Ireland and the UK, she joined equuip from RACE in 2022. Aine, through her experience in the industry, can relate to the challenges people within Horse Racing can face. In her role she works to promote, attract and retain people to the industry. Aine attends many race meetings and is on hand to talk through equuip funded courses or help with any queries one might have.
 
  • Support people within the industry to have a sustainable and successful career through upskilling and relevant training.
  • Assist with career progression pathways for people within the Horse Racing and Breeding industry.
  • Ensure that events are carried out successfully by working with relevant role-players to bring together resources, information and services to attract new people to the Horse Racing & Breeding industry.
  • Quality control equuip courses being delivered by third parties and educators.
  • Collaborate with Youth Groups and Pony Clubs to educate young people about the industry.
 
Email aoconnor@hri.ie

Heather Downey ▼

Heather is the equuip Marketing Executive, she works to develop and promote content for those working within the horse racing industry while also supporting programmes to attract new people into the industry through our digital and content marketing plans.
 
  • Management of social media channels - strategic creation and delivery of content across all key social media channels
  • Website management
  • Create marketing campaigns to drive equuip’s strategy of attracting a new workforce to the industry
  • Devise & implement marketing campaigns to promote equuip initiatives, with core focus on employers and employees working in the industry.
  • Grow database & design data growth initiatives.
 
Email hdowney@hri.ie

Stacey McDonnell ▼

Stacey McDonnell is the Industry Education & Training administrator and is responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the department from an administration level.

Email smcdonnell@hri.ie