RACING:THE SIX-MONTH figures for the horse racing and breeding industry in Ireland, published by Horse Racing Ireland yesterday, show signs of recovery in some areas, but overall they reflect an industry that remains under very serious pressure.
The positive trends were a 30 per cent increase in bloodstock sales at public auction, a 20 per cent increase in Tote betting and a three per cent increase in average attendance at racemeetings.
On the other hand, the number of horses returned in training showed a 14 per cent decrease compared to the same period last year, on course bookmaker betting fell by 10 per cent and race sponsorship by eight per cent.
Brian Kavanagh, chief executive of Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), said: “With prize money down by a further five per cent (€1.1m) to date this year and 25 per cent in total since 2008, a decline in entries and runners was inevitable. However, the 14 per cent fall in the number of horses in training for the first six months is very worrying as this has a direct impact on employment levels throughout the country.”
Kavanagh concluded: “If there is a theme running through these figures, it is that international interest in Irish racing and breeding remains strong, but the domestic sector is under enormous pressure. The industry has suffered a series of cutbacks in recent years and urgently requires a long-term funding solution which is not dependent on Government grants.”
Meanwhile, Teo’s Sister made a striking winning debut in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden at Leopardstown last evening. A full sister to 2006 champion two-year-old Teofilo, Jim Bolger’s newcomer evoked memories of her esteemed sibling in what looked a good contest over seven furlongs.
Unraced as a juvenile and uneasy in the betting, the 9 to 4 chance broke away quickly under Kevin Manning.
Bolger’s three-year-old was, however, slightly keen in the first few furlongs as her jockey assumed an early, if rather enforced, lead. Although Shiramiyna, the 11 to 10 favourite, came from off the speed to launch a serious challenge, Teo’s Sister stayed true and fast to score by a length and three-quarters.
The manner in which she bounded across the line, allied to her stout pedigree, suggests at least a mile will be within her capabilities.
