Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 3 July 2018

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Horse Racing Ireland: Discussion

3:30 pm

Photo of Jackie CahillJackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

While I appreciate the potential to increase revenue from taxation and betting, the figures will show that the number of track bookmakers has dropped significantly. As I said, they are an integral part of the atmosphere at race meetings in Ireland. If we are to increase revenue, we must consider their position. We cannot compare a track bookmaker with a major multinational because it is not a level playing field. Ladbrokes and other companies are on the rails now. We must try to preserve the unique atmosphere of the betting ring. If we try to increase revenue from betting, a concept which I would not disagree with, we have to ensure track bookmakers are able to survive. We must not impose an unsustainable tax on their turnover.

In regard to attendances at race meetings, Galway in a couple of weeks' time will be thronged to the rafters. At marquee meetings, whether it is Leopardstown at Christmas or whatever, attendance is good. However, at the ordinary, mundane meetings, attendance is dropping significantly. At my local track in Thurles on a Thursday in the winter time, there will hardly be the people looking after the horses that are racing. Those tracks are struggling. Is anything envisaged to promote attendance at what we would describe as bread and butter meetings? Many of the provincial tracks are under extreme pressure, especially in the winter. They are an important part of the industry. Does Horse Racing Ireland have plans to help these provincial winter tracks?

Thankfully, prize money is good in this country, but there is a division between the flat and national hunt prize money. What does Mr. Hartery see as a suitable ratio? As Senator Lawlor said, a small number of trainers and big operations dominate flat racing. A few trainers also dominate the national hunt racing scene. What are Horse Racing Ireland's plans regarding prize money for both flat and national hunt racing? Point-to-point racing is becoming more and more important for trainers with one, two, five or six horses as they try to get customers. It plays a significant part in the national hunt scene. This sector needs to be protected and we must ensure it feeds into the national hunt. The prize money and support available for the sector will be important.

I would also like syndicate ownership to be promoted. Levels of syndicate ownership declined alarmingly after the boom, although it is starting to recover. There is no better way to promote the product we have to sell. If five, ten or 15 lads are involved in the ownership of a horse, they and their families will attend race meetings. I would like greater incentives to be provided for syndicate ownership. For a limited outlay, one can become a part of the whole atmosphere. There is no greater kick than having a winner. I would like to see syndicate ownership promoted as much as possible.

Drug-testing was referred to and I strongly recommend investment in it because our reputation is paramount. I encourage co-operation with Bord na gCon in this area because greyhound and horse racing are similar industries, including in respect of funding. If we had a State laboratory covering both sports, there could be many synergies. That is the best approach because the industry needs its integrity to be enhanced. The integrity of horse racing is at a very high level, without question, and the level of testing is superb, but investment in testing would be welcome. I encourage Horse Racing Ireland to engage in talks with Bord na gCon on a joint venture in this area, which would be very welcome.

I agree with Deputy Pringle's comments about harness racing and its future. Representatives of the harness racing sector have made impressive presentations to the joint committee. They believe they could get a competitive industry up and running with a small budget. I would like to see greater co-operation with that sector, which has potential and will not encroach on other parts of the horse racing industry.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.