Six-month statistics for horse racing and breeding in Ireland, released yesterday by Horse Racing Ireland, point to underlying growth in the industry despite the continued impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the country’s overall well-being.

While the pandemic has had a major impact on all levels of the industry, particularly the area of racecourses and attendances, the metrics of horses in training, owners, runners, fixtures and race numbers have all shown strong growth over the corresponding pre-pandemic figures for 2019.

Horses in training numbers – a key driver of rural employment for the industry – are up 24 per cent on the last comparable figure (2019), with ownership also up by almost 24 per cent and new owners registered showing a 31 per cent increase on the 2019 figure.

The number of fixtures and races being run is at an all-time high, however, there has been no public attendance at any race meeting in Ireland in the first half of 2021 and owners, limited to 200 per meeting, have only been able to return to the racetrack since June 7.

“The increase in the number of active owners and newly registered owners in Ireland bodes well for the future as does the increase in the number of horses in training which is the lifeblood of the industry,” said Horse racing Ireland CEO Brian Kavanagh.

“This added investment by owners is reflected in the fixture list and the increase in the number of runners in both National Hunt and Flat races can only be of benefit to the industry, particularly in relation to employment.”

“The major concern as we moved into 2021 was the absence of persons other than necessary workers from the racecourse and it was six months into the year before owners were able to return. The attendance figure that we publish today is primarily made up of the owners who went racing for a little over three weeks in June.”

Easing of Restrictions

The campaign to lobby for an easing of the restrictions, in line with the same that has been applied to other outdoor sporting events, is now a crucial element for the sport so that the gains in terms of awareness and interest can be maintained.

We were at Leopardstown last night, as owners with our small syndicate and as the sun shone there was a real sense of normality resuming as limited numbers in outside areas were able to enjoy the sport.

The next target must be the Longines Champions Weekend at Leopardstown and the Curragh, to be held within days of 40,000 attending Finals in Croke Park and 25,000 at the Aviva for the Republic of Ireland World Cup Qualifiers.

“Clearly the lack of attendees has had a knock-on effect on betting figures, however, it is encouraging to note the increase in Tote pool betting compared to the same period in 2019 which is a result of the strategic alliance between Tote Ireland and the UK Tote Group which has been in place since the start of this year, added Kavanagh.”

“2020 saw the bloodstock market severely disrupted with sales frequently deferred or relocated out of Ireland due to travel restrictions. There were issues again earlier this year, but as the restrictions around international travel ease, we are hopeful that the second half of 2021 will bring a return to the growth which the sector has experienced in recent years. The turnover at bloodstock sales in the first half of 2021, particularly the Goffs Land Rover Sale and the Tattersalls Derby Sale was encouraging.”

“The number of race meetings held behind closed doors or with a limited attendance since racing resumed in June 2020 is now in excess of 500 and this has severely impacted racecourses and the various businesses which rely on them.”

Resilience

“The racecourses have proved resilient however and through Government support schemes, cost-cutting measures, the HRI sponsorship incentive scheme and media rights revenues, they are managing their way through the crisis. That said, these measures can only be temporary and as the vaccination programme rolls out further, it is important that Irish racecourses are able to welcome back larger crowds at race meetings.”

“Overall, the industry has shown resilience in the first six months of 2021 coping with the twin challenges of Brexit and Covid-19. There is a body of work to be done to restore attendances, prizemoney and race sponsorship levels, however, the fundamentals of the industry remain strong and activity levels in owning, breeding and buying horses are increasing. The industry continues to deliver in terms of rural employment.

“This was backed up by research carried out for HRI by Red C in February which showed that 2 out of 5 people (40%) surveyed in a nationwide poll declared an interest in horse racing, a significant increase from 23% in 2020.”

“Off the track, the first six months saw much focus on horse welfare and anti-doping issues and Horse Racing Ireland is working closely with industry stakeholders on a number of issues in both areas and will provide updates on an ongoing basis as this work proceeds.”

 

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