Key Irish racing industry statistics show positive performances for first half of 2014

The Irish horseracing industry statistics for the first half of 2014 showed improvement across many important areas with year-on-year increases in bloodstock sales, racecourse attendances, new owners, Tote turnover and prize-money.

However, the number of active owners remains a concern.

Bloodstock sales at public auction grew for the fifth consecutive year with turnover up by 41.9% from €25.8m to €36.6m year-on-year, which is the highest level it has reached since the first half of 2007. There was a rise in the number of new owners, which increased by 8.2% from 341 to 369.