Mr. Brian Kavanagh:

There is no real logic in this differential other than for prize money purposes so a maiden hurdle at these tracks would be worth a certain value because a type of horse runs there which might be a better quality horse than one that runs at a category 2 or category 3 track.

The five category one tracks are Galway, Punchestown, Fairyhouse, Leopardstown and the Curragh. There is a second tier of category two tracks, many of which are the ones Deputy Cahill referred to which race all year round. They are Gowran Park, Naas and Navan and Listowel, which has a big festival. There is a third tier of tracks which, as I said earlier, cause me the fewest sleepless nights. They are Sligo, Kilbeggan, Bellewstown, Ballinrobe and Killarney. They are very successful. Sligo racecourse is a place to be really proud of. Ten or 15 years ago the track was struggling but it now has a local committee behind it. They built a fabulous new stand, which is really beautiful. There is a theme to each of their race meetings during the season so, for example, they have student days and country and western days and the crowds are vibrant. If one goes to a race meeting in Sligo, there is a buzz about it because it is still something of a carnival and there is great local pride in it. I feel that is where the focus of our industry should be; it is a very important element of the industry.