Strong figures for Irish racing in the first half of 2025

Ireland starts 2025 with promising numbers

Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) has published its first Industry Activity Report, covering January to June 2025, alongside the launch of its five-year strategic plan (2025–2029) in Shelbourne Park today.

Tim Lucey, CEO of RCÉ, said the six-month report outlines the scale of greyhound racing activity in Ireland, adding that the months ahead promise further growth and strong attendance during the year-end festive season.

A total of 692 race meetings were held across 15 tracks during the first half of 2025, resulting in a total of 7,201 races. Prize money for the period reached €4,300,564.

A total of 42,628 greyhound entries were recorded, with 6,948 individual greyhounds racing. Of those, 5,729 (82.5%) received prize money. The number of new owners entering the sport in the first half of the year was 526, while 3,737 existing owners and 295 licensed trainers were actively involved in racing.

Attendance figures reached 156,923 between January and June, despite the cancellation of 52 race meetings due to adverse weather conditions. Total Tote turnover amounted to €5,653,605, with €3,685,365 bet on-site and €1,968,240 via off-site and international platforms.

According to Mr. Lucey, "Despite the cancellation of some meetings due to adverse weather, the mid-year figure highlights the continued public appetite for greyhound racing. With major classics still to come and strong Tote figures, we are on track for a robust second half of the year.”

Welfare and integrity measures are also documented in the inaugural Industry Activity Report. RCÉ conducted 1,003 welfare inspections with a 95.2% compliance rate against the Code of Practice for the Care and Welfare of Greyhounds. A total of 3,827 samples were taken from greyhounds during racing and non-racing phases, with a 99.33% pass rate. Race-day injury incidence was reported at 0.45%.

"There is often a misunderstanding of RCÉ’s role in regulating greyhound racing, but the facts speak for themselves,” stated Mr. Lucey. 

“With a 99.33% pass rate from nearly 4,000 samples tested and 99.55% of greyhounds racing injury-free, these figures reflect our strong commitment to welfare, integrity, and high standards across the sport."

During the same period, 595 retired greyhounds were rehomed through the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust (IRGT) and partner organisations.

Racing highlights from the first half of 2025 included the Irish Oaks, Easter Cup, Shelbourne Open 600, National Produce Stakes, and the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial. The second half of 2025 will feature remaining classic events such as the Irish Derby (Shelbourne), Irish Laurels (Cork), Irish Sprint Cup (Dundalk), and Irish St. Leger (Limerick).

RCÉ employs 539 staff across headquarters, racing, welfare, veterinary, laboratory, tote, hospitality, and stadia operations.

“We look forward to the next six months and years ahead with ambition and confidence,” added Mr. Lucey. 

“We greatly appreciate the Government’s continued support through the Programme for Government – Securing Ireland’s Future, as well as the vital backing of our commercial partners, sponsors, owners, breeders, trainers, and the many customers who support our venues.”

The Industry Activity Report will now be issued every six months and is available at www.grireland.ie.