Kavanagh predicts continued growth

INCREASES in prize money, fixtures and sponsorship have made Horse Racing Ireland chief executive Brian Kavanagh optimistic for continued growth in the industry in this country.

The HRI, racing's national authority, yesterday published statistics for 2002, its first full year in operation. They showed a 9.4% increase in prize money from 2001 of 4m to a record 46.3m, sponsorship up 5.6% to 6.5m and a total of 279 fixtures, up 11 on 2001.

Kavanagh said: "We are now in the process of finalising the five-year Strategic Plan for the Irish thoroughbred racing industry and look forward to continuing development, ensuring that all sectors of the industry see a return on the investments made over the last five years.