Irish Racing - No Racing Channel - You are Fecking Joking

Picture the scene: it’s 2026, you’re gearing up to watch a big race at Leopardstown, but instead of Gary O’Brien’s soothing tones breaking down the odds, you’re staring at a blank screen. Instead of Jane Mangan’s sharp commentary on Willie Mullins’ latest wonder horse, there’s nothing but eerie silence. And as for Ruby Walsh’s unparalleled insights into the intricacies of a jockey’s mind? Gone, like a bet on a three-legged gelding at Fairyhouse.

Why? Because the Irish government, in its infinite wisdom, has decided that the best way to tackle problem gambling is to starve the Irish racing industry of the very advertising revenue that keeps channels like Racing TV alive. Yes, the Gambling Regulation Bill—set to become law imminently—has galloped through the Oireachtas with all the elegance of a drunken pony, threatening to send our beloved Racing TV personalities to the unemployment line faster than you can say “dead cert”.

Racing TV: The Collateral Damage of a Well-Meaning Disaster

The centrepiece of this disaster is the new daytime gambling ad ban. From 5:30am to 9pm, Irish eyes are shielded from the deadly temptation of bookmaker ads, lest we suddenly decide to mortgage the house after seeing a Betfair promo. You see, the government has deduced that it’s simply not possible to watch a Paddy Power advert before dinner without spiralling into financial ruin. But after 9pm? Apparently, that’s when we transform into rational, responsible beings, fully capable of handling the sophisticated art of sports betting.

Now, don’t get us wrong, gambling addiction is a serious issue. But what the government fails to grasp is that not all gambling is created equal. Sports betting, particularly on horseracing, involves a bit more thought than pulling the handle on a slot machine or watching virtual dice roll in an online casino. There’s a world of difference between the tactical brainpower required to bet on the 2:15 at Punchestown and the mindless repetition of pressing a button on a digital blackjack table. But this bill doesn’t care—it lumps it all together, a classic case of taking a sledgehammer to swat a fly.

Browne’s Brilliant “Solution”

Now, enter James Browne, the junior minister responsible for this shambles, who insists that Racing TV’s fears are wildly exaggerated. According to him, it’s “very straightforward” for the channel to whip up a separate ad-free Irish feed. Just a cool €2 million is all it takes—pocket change, right? Browne seems to think Racing TV is rolling in it, casually suggesting they just regionalise their broadcasts like Sky Sports Racing, which—news flash—has the financial muscle of a small country behind it.

But Racing TV, as Martin Stevenson, the CEO of Racecourse Media Group (RMG) (the channel’s parent company), has been desperately trying to explain, is a “small, independent broadcaster”. Not exactly drowning in cash, are they? They don’t have the resources to produce a bespoke Irish feed, stripped of the gambling adverts that fund, well, the entire channel. It’s like asking your local takeaway to whip up a Michelin-star menu on the budget of a fish and chip shop.

Government Logic: Pump Money In, Then Pull the Rug Out

What makes this all the more absurd is the fact that the government has long been a benefactor of the horseracing industry. Through Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), they pump millions into Irish racing every year. It’s an investment in tradition, tourism, and the economy. And yet, they’ve now decided to suffocate Racing TV, one of the key platforms keeping Irish racing alive and well in living rooms across the country. It’s a bit like the government lovingly watering a garden, only to strangle it with red tape and shout, “It’s for your own good!”

Mattie McGrath, the ever-eloquent independent TD, summed it up beautifully in the Dáil: “One size does not fit all”. While it may be sensible to restrict advertising for highly addictive slot machines and online poker, treating horseracing with the same broad brush is just plain misguided. “These people are enablers,” McGrath said, referring to the hard-working families that sustain the horseracing industry. He wasn’t talking about shady gambling companies, but about those who’ve poured time, money, and passion into keeping this sport alive. And now, their livelihoods are at risk because the government can’t distinguish between betting on a horse and hitting the slots.

The Flutter Factor: Welcome to the Black Market

The best part? The law might actually push punters towards the black market—the very opposite of what it’s meant to achieve. Flutter, the parent company of Paddy Power, Sky Bet, and Betfair, has warned that by clamping down too hard on regulated bookmakers and their inducements, the government is effectively driving people into the arms of unlicensed operators. You know, the dodgy websites that offer zero protection and no oversight, but killer odds.

It’s a classic case of “unintended consequences”—the more the government tries to control the gambling industry, the more it could actually exacerbate the problem. But hey, at least they’ll be able to pat themselves on the back for passing a bill that “saves the public” from the horrors of a William Hill commercial at lunchtime.

So, Are We Really Saying Goodbye to Gary, Jane, and Ruby?

Let’s face it: if Racing TV goes under, so too do our beloved presenters. Gary O’Brien, Jane Mangan, and Ruby Walsh—the holy trinity of Irish racing coverage—could find themselves out of a job, all because the government decided that a Ladbrokes ad is a greater threat to society than losing Racing TV altogether. Although I'm sure Ruby will reappear on our UK screens.

Gary, with his soothing voice and post-race analysis, has been a staple for racing fans for years. Jane, always sharp and insightful, has brought expertise and elegance to the table. And Ruby Walsh—well, he’s basically racing royalty. Who else can explain the chaos of a steeplechase while making you feel like you’re in the saddle with him? Losing these three would be a tragedy for Irish racing, not just for the viewers, but for the sport itself. Their insights make losing a bet feel like part of the fun—and without them, racing just won’t be the same.

The Bottom Line: A Gamble Too Far

So, are we really going to wave goodbye to Gary, Jane, and Ruby by 2026? If the government stays the course with this heavy-handed, one-size-fits-all approach to gambling regulation, it’s not just possible—it’s likely. And in the process, we’ll be losing more than just presenters. We’ll lose the very heart of Irish racing culture, all in the name of protecting us from adverts that, let’s be honest, most of us can handle.

This isn’t just a gamble—it’s a sure-fire loss. And the only winners? Well, it’s certainly not the Irish racing fans, nor the industry itself. But don’t worry, come 9:01pm, you can bet on the future of Irish racing all you like—assuming there’s anything left to bet on.