Greyhound Racing Financial Turnover Rises

The Irish Greyhound Board has revealed that total turnover for the year just ended has risen from €26.4 million in 2017 to €27.3 million in 2018.

Costs were down as well painting a better financial picture for the sport than has been the case in recent years.

Operating costs at stadia were reduced from €13.2 million to €13.1 million while central operating costs fell by more down €1 million to €7 million.

The number of runners taking part in races was also up from 92,241 to 93,412.

The numbers were revealed at the first National Greyhound Consultative Forum of the year at the IGB Head Offices in Limerick.

IGB Chief Financial Officer Michael Murnane presented a financial review of the year 2018, which was described as a “mixed year”, with Q4 being “relatively strong”.

Overall attendance at the 16 stadia was 506,142 last year, compared to 514,876 people passing through the turnstiles in 2017.

However, IGB-controlled tracks (Shelbourne Park, Limerick, Cork, Youghal, Tralee, Waterford, Galway, Mullingar & Newbridge) saw a 3.2% increase in overall attendance, from 376,019 to 388,079.

Average attendances per race meeting are down overall and this was again referenced as something that needs to be addressed within the industry as a matter of urgency.

The outlook for 2019 predicts an increase in prize money, mainly due to the restoration of a full racing calendar.

“Brexit will be particularly challenging for us in 2019, as we are uniquely reliant on the UK market,” said CEO Ger Dollard after the meeting.

“Increasing attendances at our stadia is our top priority this year. There are reasons to be positive. We can look forward with a huge sense of optimism and a bright future, as our industry looks to renew itself in 2019 and beyond.”