Irish Horseracing Authority (IHA) figures released
today show that 2000 was another outstanding year of growth for the country’s racing industry with record levels of betting, attendance’s, prize-money and sponsorship.
Racing was more popular than ever with the Irish public and the number of race-goers increased 3.4 per cent from 1,309,411 in 1999 to 1,354,073 last year.
The increase in punters contributed to the boost in racecourse bookmaker profits with total betting up 21.3 per cent from £133.5m to £161.9m.
This consisted of £129.3m from on course bookies (up 23.7 per cent), £28m from the Tote (up 11.1 per cent) and £4.7m from on course shops (up 23.7 per cent).
The off-course bookmakers also reported a substantial increase of 27 per cent last year from £730m to £927m.
The racing fraternity also benefited with prize-money up 18 per cent at £24.3m. Over £5m of this came from race sponsorship which was a 10.9 per cent increase.
IHA Chief Executive Martin Moore today expressed his delight at the figures: "I am very pleased with the overall performance for 2000, particularly in view of the disruption to racing caused by poor weather conditions towards the end of the year."
"The continued buoyancy in the economy, increased attendance’s and the full year effect of the abolition of the on-course betting tax in July 1999 all contributed to the substantial growth in on-course betting turnover."