IHA Figures released today reveal another record year for Irish racing with further increases in the annual figures for betting, attendances and prize-money.
The abolition of on-course betting tax has contributed to a 15 per cent rise from #115.9m to #133.5m on the overall total bet on the racecourses during 1999.
On Course bookmakers accounted for #104.5m (up 17 per cent), SP Shops #3m (up 26 per cent) and the Tote #23.7m (up 6.5 per cent).
The attendance from 264 meetings (6 more than last year) was 1,309,411. A rise of 7.4 per cent on the 1998 total of 1,218,948.
Total prize-money for last year rose from #16.6m in 1998 to #20.6m - and increase of 24 per cent.
The IHA's own contribution was up 31 per cent at #9.2m compared to #7m for the previous year.
Sponsors accounted for #4.6m - a rise of 17 per cent on the 1998 total of #3.9m - while owners gave #6.8 (up 19 per cent on #5.7m).
Commenting on the figures, IHA Chief Executive Martin Moore, said :
'1999 was another very successful year for Irish racing with record prize-money levels, continued investment in racecourse facilities, increased marketing activities, and the abolition of the on-course betting tax all contributing to new records being set in all the key areas.
'2000 promises to be another exciting year for Irish racing and I look forward with confidence to seeing continued growth across alls sectors.'
