Thoroughbred Talents Graduate Programme - IT Graduate

Programme Overview

Horse Racing Ireland is offering a two-year Thoroughbred Talents Graduate Programme in the IT stream, due to begin in October 2026. The programme is built to give graduates practical exposure to the fast-changing technology environment that supports the Irish horse racing sector.

During the programme, you will move through several IT areas, building experience in day-to-day support, software and applications work, project delivery, and cybersecurity. The role supports the digital systems that keep racecourses, racing operations, and wider industry services running effectively.

This structure is intended to strengthen both technical capability and commercial awareness in a busy, innovative, industry-relevant setting.

Programme Rotations

• IT Shared Services - Service Desk
• Applications Development / Microsoft 365 Technologies
• Project Management Office (PMO) and Continuous Improvement
• Cyber Security

IT Shared Services - Service Desk (1st Line Support)

You will start in the IT service desk team, where you will provide first-line support to staff across Horse Racing Ireland, its racecourses, and related organisations such as IHRB. This rotation is designed to build a strong base in technical support and customer service.

• Deliver first-contact support for hardware, software, and network-related problems.
• Record, investigate, and close service desk requests in line with service targets.
• Help with onboarding and exit processes, including account setup and equipment preparation.
• Assist with the upkeep of laptops, desktops, mobile devices, and other peripherals.

Applications Development / Microsoft 365 Technologies

In this rotation, you will be exposed to the creation and improvement of business tools and systems through either applications development or Microsoft 365 and cloud-focused work.

Applications Development may include support for internal system design, build, testing, and release activities, along with ongoing improvement of applications used in racing and business operations.

Microsoft 365 and Cloud Technologies may include administration of SharePoint and Power Platform solutions, as well as reporting and automation using Power BI and Power Automate. You may also contribute to upgrades, patching, maintenance tasks, and keeping IT asset and configuration records accurate.

• Support the design, development, testing, and release of internal systems.
• Help maintain and improve applications used for racing and business operations.
• Assist with Microsoft 365 administration, including SharePoint and Power Platform tools.
• Support reporting and automation work using Power BI and Power Automate.
• Contribute to system upgrades, patching, and routine maintenance.
• Maintain records for IT assets and system configurations.

Project Management Office (PMO) and Continuous Improvement

Within the PMO, you will learn how technology projects are coordinated and delivered across Horse Racing Ireland. This placement will strengthen your organisational, analytical, and communication abilities.

• Support the delivery of IT projects and system implementations.
• Take part in testing, documentation, and deployment activities.
• Spot opportunities to improve processes and the user journey.
• Contribute to IT documentation, knowledge articles, and training resources.

Cyber Security

This rotation offers exposure to the technologies and practices that support HRI’s cybersecurity environment.

• Assist with cybersecurity initiatives and good-practice controls.
• Support user access reviews and security audit activities.
• Monitor security alerts and escalate possible risks where needed.
• Help build cyber awareness across the organisation.

Learning and Development

The programme includes structured learning designed to support your development throughout each rotation.

• Complete training and certification pathways aligned to each placement.
• Keep up to date with new technologies and industry developments.
• Take part in team workshops, mentoring, and graduate development activities.
• Develop technical knowledge as well as professional workplace skills.

Programme Experience

Alongside your rotational assignments, you will gain exposure to work across HRI’s main locations, primarily in Newbridge, County Kildare, and sometimes at selected racecourses including Fairyhouse, Navan, Leopardstown, and Tipperary.

• Support IT systems that contribute directly to racing events, operations, and customer-facing experiences.
• Work with experienced IT professionals and teams across different functions.
• Gain insight into both operational support and strategic technology work.
• Take part in ongoing structured learning and development.

Qualifications and Experience

To be considered, you should hold a Level 8 honours degree, or higher, in Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cyber Security, Information Systems, or a related technology field, completed within the last two years.

Helpful but non-essential experience includes familiarity with cloud platforms such as Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud; programming or scripting languages such as Python, PowerShell, or JavaScript; knowledge of cybersecurity principles; and exposure to ITIL, Active Directory, virtualisation tools, or service desk systems.

Key Qualities

• A strong interest in technology, digital change, and emerging tools.
• Enthusiasm for working in the horse racing industry and supporting innovation within it.
• Good problem-solving ability with a proactive approach to fixing issues and improving processes.
• A willingness to learn, adapt, and contribute in a meaningful way.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative working style.
• Relevant exposure through internships, academic work, or extracurricular activities that show technical or analytical ability.
• Flexibility to work across different systems, teams, and environments in a busy organisation.
• A full driving licence and access to transport are required.

Why Join

This graduate opportunity gives you the chance to build your IT career within an organisation central to Ireland’s horse racing sector. You will gain hands-on experience across multiple disciplines while helping support technology that underpins one of the country’s most recognised industries.

Selection Process

• Submit your application by answering the required questions about your education, relevant experience, and motivation for joining the programme.
• The recruitment team will review applications against qualifications, skills, and programme fit, considering academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and any supporting information provided.
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete assessment exercises designed to test aptitude, analytical thinking, and suitability for the programme roles.
• Candidates who progress will attend a first-round interview, typically with HR and hiring managers, focused on motivation, experience, and programme fit.
• Those who advance further will attend a second interview with senior management, where the discussion will explore potential contribution and alignment with organisational strategy.
• Final offers will be made after the full review of all stages.

Equal Opportunities and Accessibility

Horse Racing Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and values inclusion and accessibility. Reasonable accommodation will be provided for candidates during the interview process where needed.