Irishman gathering America's Cup bids says Ireland must win on its own merits 

A cost-benefit analysis has suggested it could cost Ireland up to €150m to host the race but that it could be worth up to €500m to the economy. File picture: Mark Lloyd/Lloyd Images

The Irishman gathering bids to host the massive America’s Cup yacht race has insisted that if Ireland is to win, it will have to do so on its own merits.

Stewart Hosford, chief executive of London-based sports management business Origin Sports Group, rejected suggestions his involvement could give Ireland an unfair advantage.