Ireland’s horse racing industry is soaring, reveals report
Global statistics of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) showed healthy developments across the industry in Ireland in 2003.
Ireland experienced an increase of 3.5% in the number of thoroughbred foals born last year.
The Irish share is growing on the lucrative thoroughbred market with an increase of 8.08% in 2001, 8.82% in 2002 and 9.29% in 2003.
Ireland is ranked third in the world behind the USA (29.29%) and Australia (13.44%) with regard to thoroughbred births.
“Thoroughbred racing and breeding is an important industry and a major contributor to Irish life, both socially and economically,” said HRI chief executive Brian Kavanagh.
“It is an extraordinary achievement for a country of our size to be third in the world of thoroughbred foal production.
“Bloodstock has become the fastest-growing sector of livestock output (its value has increased by 54% in the five years 1998-2002). Beyond the economics there is a story of great achievement - a story which has given us Ireland’s most consistently successful international sport.”
Ireland has also been credited with an increase in the number of jump races globally.
According to statistics, the number of such races in the world has increased by 2%, thanks mainly to Ireland (+9.3%) and Britain (+4.7%).
Jump racing is essentially European, as Europe organised 91.6% of the 8,200 jump races run in the world in 2003 with Ireland accounting for 16.1% of those.
The Irish also scored high in relation to prize money. On the flat, Ireland had the fourth highest prize money worldwide with an average of €29,690 available per race.
The Irish are ranked sixth in the pay out for jumps with €18,570.
Ireland experienced an increase of 21% in betting turnover in 2003.
