‘Thoroughbred racing contributes almost €1bn to Irish economy’

The thoroughbred racing industry contributes almost €1bn to the Irish economy, Minister of State Tom Hayes declared at the Galway Races.

Speaking at the presentation of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Western Awards, he said the sector has a huge economic impact in every county throughout the country.

Mr Hayes said 2013 had been a very successful year for the thoroughbred industry so far, with Ireland continuing to breed world-class horses.