Meeting with HRI sought over cuts

THE ASSOCIATION of Irish Racecourses is seeking an urgent meeting with Horse Racing Ireland officials after stating the economic survival of some tracks in this country could be under threat after the latest funding cuts by racing’s ruling body.

Cuts in racecourse supports amounting to €600,000 were announced by HRI last Friday as part of their response to the Government’s €1.6 million budget cut to their finances.

AIR’s chief executive Paddy Walsh yesterday said racecourses were now being asked to shoulder a disproportionate amount of cuts.

“Cuts in grants to other industry bodies amounted to eight per cent and in integrity costs were seven per cent.

“The reduction of €600,000 in HRI’s contribution to prizemoney only represents two per cent of their allocation to this area whereas the reduction in racecourse supports is at least 10 times higher in percentage terms.” he said.

“The cumulative effect of these further cuts on racecourses following the previous cancellation of all racecourses capital development grants, health and safety grants and other support schemes will have serious implications for the economic survival of racecourses and the AIR has sought an urgent meeting with Horse Racing Ireland to discuss the matter,” he added.