A TEN per cent drop in the number of horses in training at the end of the first half of 2010 has convinced racing’s ruling body even further of the need for Government legislation on funding to be in place before the end of the year.

Horse Racing Ireland’s (HRI) statistics for the first half of this year also include a 14 per cent drop in turnover with on-course bookmakers.

But it is the dramatic drop in horse figures, with a rapid acceleration through April, May and June, which HRI describes as “the most worrying trend”.

The number of horses in training at the end of June was 6,375, compared to 7,081 at the same time in 2009, and a HRI statement yesterday warned: “A significant reduction in horse numbers can, regrettably, only mean a further decline in employment levels throughout the industry.”

Chief executive Brian Kavanagh said the figures reinforce the need for legislation on off-shore betting to be in place as soon as possible to protect racing’s financial future.

Despite some speculation that the legislation pledged by Taoiseach Brian Cowen in May might not be in place until 2011, Kavanagh was confident it will be operational by the end of this year.

“Our funding for 2010 is in situ until December 31st, and the budget will be in the first week in December, so any new system should be in place before the end of 2010. If you look at what the Taoiseach said in May, and his subsequent comments in the Dáil, that is the intention. And that is what officials are working towards,” he said.

Kavanagh played down any connection between funding for 2011 and the postponed publication of next year’s fixture list to September.

But prize money levels for the first half of this year are down seven per cent to €21.5 million.

Along with a 17 per cent drop in sponsorship levels and a one per cent drop in average attendances, yesterday’s figures were predictably downbeat, although HRI’s chief executive pointed to overall attendances as a positive.

“The most pleasing aspect of the 2010 season to date has been the recovery in attendances,” Kavanagh said. “Whilst they were down by 13,582 (an average 12 per cent) for the first three months of the year, the second quarter saw a return to growth with crowds up 11,579 (or an average 3 per cent). In the challenging economic environment, this reflects great credit on the efforts of racecourses to offer value-for-money packages.”

Attendances for the first half of 2010 came to 496,305, compared to last year’s equivalent figure of 498,308.

Horse Racing Ireland statistics for first half of 2010

Bookmakers (on-course): €55.3 million compared to 2009 figure of €64.1 million – down 14 per cent.

Tote: €20.7 million compared to €21.4 million – down 3 per cent.

Horses in Training (June 30th): 6,375 compared to 7,081 – down 10 per cent.

Horses Returned in Training Throughout 2010: 9,597 compared to 9,808: down 2 per cent.

Entries: 33,711 compared to 40,856 – down 17 per cent.

Runners: 14,219 compared to 14,953 – down 5 per cent.

Prizemoney: €21.5 million compared to €23.1 million – down 7 per cent.

Sponsorship: €2.2 million compared to €2.7 million – down 17 per cent.

Fixtures: 154 compared to 153 – down 1 per cent.

Attendances: 496,305 compared to 498,308 – no change.

Average Attendance: 3,223 compared to 3,257 – down 1 per cent.