Leading racing figures in Northern Ireland today called for the immediate introduction of Sunday racing with betting to the province.
A meeting with Minister for Social Development Nigel Dodds over the matter has been requested by the Northern Ireland Racing Industry and Northern Ireland Hotel and Catering Association.
James Nicholson, chairman of Down Royal racecourse, said: "The Northern Ireland assembly voted 48 to 28 in favour of Sunday racing last year yet Nigel Dodds continues to ignore the democratic process.
"This is a simple one item issue and could be implemented very quickly."
Dr Paul Williams, chairman of the Northern Ireland Festival of Racing, said: "This year's Festival has been the most successful to date with 15,000 racegoers attending the Down Royal Festival recently and with over 800 bed/nights and IR£1million spent in the local economy.
"The introduction of just one additional Sunday at next year's event would bring an additional IR£2million into the local economy."
That view was echoed by John Mooney, president of the province's Hotels Federation.
"Tourism is the world's largest industry," he said. "Northern Ireland's performance in attracting tourists over the past 10 years has been difficult.
"The introduction of Sunday racing would be a very welcome addition and boost for the local economy."
PA