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Most key statistics for the Irish Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry showed significant gains when compared to the pre-pandemic year of 2019, as the full-year statistics were released by Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) on Thursday.

In the areas of ownership (+17.1%, 4,757), horses-in-training (10,208, +14.1% on 2019), Tote betting (total Tote betting rose +18.3%), and bloodstock sales (€215.4m, +30.3% on 2019 and +17.8% on 2021), figures are well over 2019's. Owner retention rate is now 72.8%, with the number of syndicates increasing for the fourth consecutive year to 825 (+3.4% on 2021 and +24.2% on 2019). 2022 fixtures decreased to 388 from a record of 394 in 2021, but the first half of 2021 saw a readjustment to accommodate point-to-pointers on the racecourse. For the full statistics, please click here.

Suzanne Eade, CEO of Horse Racing Ireland, said, “A strong and stable racing industry reflects well on rural communities in every county on the island and a key driver of our success is the number of horses-in-training which leads directly to employment in the country's racing yards. While the overall number is down slightly on 2021, the figure of 10,208 is well ahead of the 2019 figure which bodes well as we start into a new year.

“Almost seven out of every 10 runners in Ireland (69.8%) won prize-money in Ireland in 2022, 5,686 horses in total, and that's the highest number we've ever reported in this category. It's an important indicator for us because we acknowledge the incredible loyalty displayed by owners to Irish racing during the Covid pandemic.

“While the cost of living continues to be an issue for all industries, we can be confident heading into 2023 that racing remains extremely popular in Ireland with attendances rallying strongly in the second half of 2022. Attracting more than nine out of every 10 people that went racing before the pandemic, back to the racecourse, is a tribute to the work put in by the tracks. It was encouraging to see such strong end-of-year crowds at Navan for Troytown Day and at Fairyhouse for the Drinmore meeting, at Naas, Punchestown and Down Royal to name just a few, and of course a very strong performance at the Leopardstown Christmas Festival. 2023 got off to a great start with an incredible day at a well attended Tramore.

“A number of strong public auctions helped push the overall bloodstock sales figure past the €200m figure for the first time and a return of €215.4m is 30.3% ahead of the 2019 figure and 17.8% up on 2021.”

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Six-month statistics for horse racing and breeding in Ireland shows underlying growth in the industry despite the ongoing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. The report was released by Horse Racing Ireland on Thursday.

The metrics of horses in training (+24%), owners (+23.9%), new owner (+31%), runners (+23.8%), fixtures (+8.4%), and race numbers (+14.6) have all shown strong growth over the corresponding pre-pandemic figures for 2019. Attendance at Irish racecourses was the major area where figures suffered, as there has been no public attendance at any racemeeting in Ireland for the first half of 2021. Owners have been limited to just 200 per meeting and were only able to return to racecourses on June 7.

Brian Kavanagh, CEO of Horse Racing Ireland, said, “The increase in the number of active owners and newly registered owners in Ireland bodes well for the future as does the increase in the number of horses-in-training which is the lifeblood of the industry. This added investment by owners is reflected in the fixture list and the increase in the number of runners in both National Hunt and Flat races can only be of benefit to the industry, particularly in relation to employment.

“The major concern as we moved into 2021 was the absence of persons other than necessary workers from the racecourse and it was six months into the year before owners were able to return. The attendance figure that we publish today is primarily made up of the owners who went racing for a little over three weeks in June.

“Clearly this had a knock-on effect on betting figures, however it is encouraging to note the increase in Tote pool betting compared to the same period in 2019 which is a result of the strategic alliance between Tote Ireland and the UK Tote Group which has been in place since the start of this year.

“2020 saw the bloodstock market severely disrupted with sales frequently deferred or relocated out of Ireland due to travel restrictions. There were issues again earlier this year, but as the restrictions around international travel ease, we are hopeful that the second half of 2021 will bring a return to the growth which the sector has experienced in recent years. The turnover at bloodstock sales in the first half of 2021, particularly the Goffs Land Rover Sale and the Tattersalls Derby Sale was encouraging.

“The number of racemeetings held behind closed doors or with a limited attendance since racing resumed in June 2020 is now in excess of 500 and this has severely impacted racecourses and the various businesses which rely on them.

“The racecourses have proved resilient however and through Government support schemes, cost cutting measures, the HRI sponsorship incentive scheme and media rights revenues, they are managing their way through the crisis. That said, these measures can only be temporary and as the vaccination programme rolls out further, it is important that Irish racecourses are able to welcome back larger crowds at racemeetings.”

Kavanagh concluded, “Overall, the industry has shown resilience in the first six months of 2021 coping with the twin challenges of Brexit and Covid-19. There is a body of work to be done to restore attendances, prizemoney and race sponsorship levels, however the fundamentals of the industry remain strong and activity levels in owning, breeding and buying horses are increasing. The industry continues to deliver in terms of rural employment.

“This was backed up by research carried out for HRI by Red C in February which showed that two out of five people (40%) surveyed in a nationwide poll declared an interest in horse racing, a significant increase from 23% in 2020.

“Off the track, the first six months saw much focus on horse welfare and anti-doping issues and Horse Racing Ireland is working closely with industry stakeholders on a number of issues in both areas and will provide updates on an ongoing basis as this work proceeds.”

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