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.