On-course betting drop blamed on Euro

The introduction of the euro is being blamed for the drop in betting at Irish racetracks last year.

Horse Racing Ireland`s report for 2002 was released yesterday and revealed a three per cent drop in turnover with on-course bookmakers. The total of €208.4 million compares to €215 million in 2,001 and HRI believe it is due to punters betting in the same denominations as they did with punts.

However, there was positive news with the Tote figures which were up 7.7 per cent to a turnover of €38.8 million. On-course betting shops also increased their turnover, by 4.2 per cent to €7.4 million. The figures come at the end of Horse Racing Ireland`s first full year in charge of the industry.

There was also a slight fall in attendances at Irish racetracks in 2002. A total of 1,286,914 paid through the gates which was down almost 10,000 but still resulted in an average attendance of almost 5,000. Against that, however, is an all-time high in the numbers of horses in training which has now officially reached 5,469 and a total of €112.3 million was spent on thoroughbreds at Goffs and Tattersalls sales. That is an increase of 3.2 per cent.

The HRI chief executive Brian Kavanagh expressed overall satisfaction with the figures and added: 'We are now in the process of finalising a five-year strategic plan and looking forward to continuing development. 'Recently increased prize-money of 7.7 per cent for 2003 will bring the total prize fund to €50 million ensuring Ireland remains one of the most attractive countries in which to own and train racehorses.'

Exceptionally wet weather resulted in 38 fixtures being cancelled last year but five of those were re-scheduled. In total 279 race meetings were run with a total of 1,994 races. Kavanagh added: 'The integration of the former Turf Club Registry Office into HRI on May 1st was carried out smoothly and efficiently, ensuring a seamless delivery of service which is a credit to the staff involved.'

Meanwhile, Navan yesterday lost its chase races for tomorrow but are confident a seven-race card featuring hurdles and a bumper can go ahead.

One horse that won`t be appearing in the Proudstown Handicap tomorrow is Limestone Lad whose preparation has been hampered by the recent cold snap. Michael Bowe reported yesterday that the star stayer will instead run next in either the AIG Champion Hurdle on January 26th or the Bank Of Ireland Hurdle at Naas the day before. Bowe also confirmed that Limestone Lad will not be entered for the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Willie Mullins was yesterday fined €500 after being found in breach of Rule 20 (xxii) by the appeals and referrals committee of the Turf Club. Mullins refused to admit the Turf Club veterinary officer and her assistant to his yard in November for the purpose of examining horses under the care of a licensed trainer in accordance with the provisions of Rule 20 (xxii).

Kadiskar, winner of the JC`s Supermarket Maiden Hurdle at Fairyhouse at the beginning of last month, has been disqualified after traces of morphine were found in his urine sample. The race has been awarded to the runner-up Pay It Forward.

Kadiskar`s trainer, Christy Roche, was found guilty of a breach of Rule 148 (ii) and a mandatory fine of €130 was imposed. However, the fine was waived in view of the evidence furnished.