HORSE Racing Ireland (HRI) has announced a number of upcoming structural and personnel changes in its Racing Department.

With effect from March 1st, Jason Morris – who has been Director of Racing since 2002 – will become HRI's Director of Strategy where his focus will be on the delivery and execution of HRI’s strategic plan for 2024-2028, which will be launched early in the new year.

Also with effect from March 1st, Jonathan Mullin, who has served as Director of Communications and Public Affairs since 2017, will be taking over the position of Director of Racing. HRI has begun recruiting for a new Director of Communications and Public Affairs.

From January 1st, Shane Doyle will be moving to the position of Breeding Development Manager with Andrew Finnegan, currently Assistant Race Planning Manager and Scheduling Manager, succeeding Shane as Race Planning Manager.

One of the first items on the Racing Department's agenda for the new year is an examination of the National Hunt graded race programme. Already race sponsors Racing Post have been informed that the Grade 1 novice chase at Leopardstown on December 26th will be removed from the calendar in 2024. The status of other Grade 1 races which are thought to be under-performing in terms of field sizes or quality are likely to come under pressure.