IHA prize money to rise 20%

Despite Wednesday's Budget announcement about the abolition of on-course betting tax, the Irish Horseracing Authority (IHA) yesterday announced its planned initiatives for 1999.

The IHA again pointed to the statement from the Minister for Finance, Charlie McCreevy, that the new betting tax proposals are absolutely conditional on satisfactory funding alternatives for the authority.

Based on that assurance, the IHA still plans to increase the prize money fund for 1999 to £20 million, up 20 per cent on this year. The authority contribution will be £10 million, with £4.3 million being budgeted for as a likely contribution by sponsors. For the first time, the IHA will contribute to prize money in Northern Ireland: £132,500 will be given to the two northern tracks. Of this, £50,000 will be used to provide a sponsorship incentive scheme. The new contribution will allow the minimum value of races to increase. Down Royal's will now be £4,000, and Downpatrick's will be £3,250.

The authority will also create the second phase of the capital development fund, under which an additional £9 million will be made available in grants to racecourses. It also plans to eliminate stakeholders fees on all races other than Group races on the flat.

The new Atutote system is planned to be up and running for the Punchestown April festival and the IHA is allocating £2.5 million to Tote Ireland Ltd. A £700,000 increase, to a total of £3.2 million, is also planned for racing's integrity services.

Three of Britain's challengers for the Hong Kong international meeting next weekend had their departure delayed yesterday.

The flight due to carry John Gosden's pair Decorated Hero and Handsome Ridge plus John Dunlop's Taipan from Stansted Airport was held up due to a technical hitch.

Dunlop's racing secretary Marcus Hosgood said they were due to fly out later last evening.

Fruits of Love (Mark Johnston) and Strategic Choice (Paul Cole) are due to fly out tomorrow.

Martha's Son, winner of the Queen Mother Champion Chase in 1997, has been retired. Martha's Son has not raced since pulling up with a serious injury in last year's Peterborough Chase at Huntington.