A County Clare graduate will work at Navan Racecourse after she was selected as one of five Horse Racing Ireland interns. Niamh Baker from Tubber began her 12-week work placement at the Navan track last Wednesday.

In November 2013, HRI launched its first Student Internship Programme, offering five placements at HRI headquarters and each of the four HRI-owned racecourses, Leopardstown, Tipperary, Navan and Fairyhouse.

Over 120 applications were received from students throughout the country and 35 students were shortlisted and interviewed.

Niamh has just completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree at NUI Galway. Niamh grew up on a stud farm and has a keen interest in horses and horse riding. She also plays Gaelic football, camogie, basketball and soccer.

As part of her role at Navan Racecourse, Niamh will be required to assist in many areas of racecourse operations such as marketing, sales, social media, website maintenance, raceday operations and the promotion of events over the summer season.

Welcoming Niamh, Peter Killeen, General Manager of Navan Racecourse said: “We are delighted that Niamh is joining the Navan Racecourse team through the HRI Internship Programme for the coming months. Her keen interest in the horse racing business and her enthusiasm to learn will be a great addition. We wish Niamh well during her time with us.”

Commenting on the HRI Student Internship Programme, Brian Kavanagh, CEO of Horse Racing Ireland said: “The HRI Internship programme provides an excellent opportunity for college students interested in a career in the racing industry. The 12-week placement will offer students valuable hands-on experience across a wide range of areas and will give them a unique insight into the work that goes on behind the scenes of Irish racing. It was great to see such a large number of applications for the five placements and we plan to continue this initiative over the coming years.”