Horse & greyhound fund cut by 13 per cent Sport hasn't been exempt from the affects of Budget 2010. Government expenditure on sport during next year is set to total €115 million. That is down from €127 million in 2009. The Government's allocation to the horse and greyhound racing fund shows a decrease of 13 per cent. Just over €59.2 million is being allocated in 2010. That represents a €9 million drop on the 2009 funding figure. It means a €7.1 million drop in funding for Horse Racing Ireland. Elsewhere a total of €48 million has been provided for the sports capital programme. That is a decrease of €8 million or 14 per cent on the previous year. Of this €6m will be provided for the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund. Minister for Arts Sport and Tourism, Martin Cullen said: "Ireland is the third largest breeder of thoroughbreds in the world and Irish horses and jockeys consistently succeed at the highest level. "An estimated 27,000 jobs are supported by both the horse and greyhound industry in Ireland and significant inward investment is attracted to the country. "Taking account of the need to continue to support both industries, €59.264m is being allocated by Government to the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund in 2010. This is a reduction of 13% on the funding provided in 2009."
