Tipperary racecourse manager appointed chairman of the Association of Irish Racehorses

DJ Histon, the manager of Clonmel Racecourse has been confirmed as the incoming chairman of the Association of Irish Racehorses (AIR) and will formally assume the role in December 2026.

The Association of Irish Racecourses (AIR) announced a series of key leadership appointments following its Annual General Meeting held last week in Newbridge, county Kildare.

DJ Histon, who is also the CEO of the Irish Coursing Club, succeeds Conor O’Neill, who rotates out of the role after serving his two consecutive four year terms similar to John Moloney before him.

The organisation said that Histon brings a ‘wealth of industry knowledge and experience’.

“He has been a long-standing and active contributor to Irish racing and is widely regarded for his steady approach, collaborative leadership style and deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the sector”.

For his part, DJ thanked the membership sincerely for placing their trust in him.

“It is a genuine honour to be appointed chair of AIR, and it is one I do not take lightly. I am fully committed to building on the excellent work of Conor O'Neill, putting the membership at the centre of all negotiations on matters that relate to them, acting with integrity and diligence, and ensuring that, despite the many challenges we face, promoting a cohesive and united approach that will have the greatest impact for Irish racecourses and racing alike, led by our CEO Paul Hensey.”

Manager of Clonmel Racecourse/Powerstown Park for many years, Histon is in fact a a native of Adare in county Limerick.

Other appointments made at the Association of Irish Racehorses AGM included the appointment of Michael Moloney, manager of Galway Races as vice-chairman; he will take over from John Flannelly.

In addition, two racecourse managers have been deemed elected to the board as directors for the first time including Ruth Morrison, the manager of Downpatrick Racecourse, and Aidan McGarry, manager of Naas Racecourse.

Richard Lyttle also received an honorary membership of the association, having previously served as racecourse manager at Navan and Downpatrick.

AIR says they will continue to work closely with all 26 racecourses nationwide, Horse Racing Ireland, The Irish Horse-Racing Regulatory Board and all industry stakeholders, in the best interest of its membership, those who own and or operate Irish Racecourses around the country

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