Horse and Greyhound Fund reduced by 13% in Budget

FEARS that yesterday’s Budget would deliver another serious blow to the Irish Greyhound Industry proved well founded when Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan announced that the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund for 2010 will be €59.264m, a reduction of 13% on this year’s allocation.

Minister Martin Cullen issued a statement yesterday evening in which he stated: “Ireland is the third largest breeder of thoroughbreds in the world and Irish horses and jockeys consistently succeed at the highest level.

“An estimated 27,000 jobs are supported by both the horse and greyhound industry in Ireland and significant inward investment is attracted to the country.

“Taking account of the need to continue to support both industries, €59,264 is being allocated by Government to the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund in 2010. This is a reduction of 13% on the funding provided in 2009”.

In effect this means that the allocation to greyhound racing will be €11.853m.

Unfortunately it raises the possibility of a cut in prizemoney while there could well be a call for a return of a betting levy in the region of 1 or 2%.

A meeting of the Irish Greyhound Board is scheduled for today and it will be interesting to learn of their reaction to this latest move.