Future Focus Racecourse Roadshow showcases value of Tipperarys racing industry

The value of the racing and breeding industry to the south-west region was highlighted at the Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) Future Focus Racecourse Roadshow held in the Clarion Hotel in Limerick on Monday evening.

Managers of Tipperary, Thurles, Clonmel, Cork, Killarney, Listowel and Limerick Racecourses spoke to the gathered breeders, trainers, jockeys and the media about their development plans, upcoming meetings and festivals and the significance of the racecourses to their local communities.

Guests included Mayor of County Cork, Mr John Paul O’Shea and a number of racehorse trainers and jockeys including Tom Hogan, Enda Bolger, Eric McNamara, Andrew McNamara Senior, Paddy Neville, Michael Hourigan, John-Joe Walsh and Jonathan Burke.

Chief Executive of Horse Racing Ireland, Brian Kavanagh spoke about the significance of the industry, which generates economic activity and employment in rural areas and brings enjoyment and sporting excellence to the south-west region.

Mr Kavanagh spoke about the statistics relating to counties Tipperary, Limerick, Cork and Kerry which are home to 33% of breeders, 30% of trainers,25% of fixtures, 19% of prize-money and 22% of attendances in Ireland. Tipperary alone has 78 training establishments and 844 breeders – more breeders than any other county in Ireland.

“Racing’s contribution to the national economy is €1 billion annually, and this region is at the heart of that success story. That is an extraordinary return on investment from this sector and one it can be proud of,” he said.

Victor Quinlan, HRI’s Capital Development Manager gave a short presentation on HRI’s €100 million capital development fund, which will transform many of the racecourses around Ireland and he explained the ambitious plans already approved for four of the seven south-west tracks – Tipperary, Cork, Killarney and Listowel.

Master of Ceremonies Denis Kirwan interviewed each of the racecourse managers about their future plans, their impact on the local economy and strong links to the community. He also spoke to a number of trainers and jockeys about their experiences and thoughts on the seven racecourses and the value of the racing and breeding industry.

Quotes

Andrew Hogan, Tipperary Racecourse Manager:

“A lot of work has been carried out in Tipperary over the last number of years, most notably the attractive entrance building. The Racecourse Roadshow gives us the chance to expand on the further improvements we plan to make through the HRI Capital Development Programme. It’s important to constantly seek to improve, as Tipperary Racecourse is at the heart of the local community, in a rural county that depends heavily on the racing industry.”

Kate Molony, Thurles Racecourse:

“Thurles is a family-run business and very much a part of the local community. This is a busy time for us and we’re delighted that the track is in wonderful condition ahead of our busy winter programme, which begins in early November. We’re very proud that our track can hold racing in the depths of winter when perhaps other racecourses might struggle.”

DJ Histon, Clonmel Racecourse Manager:

“Clonmel Racecourse is part of a rural community that relies heavily on the racing and breeding industry, as very much highlighted by the Future Focus Racecourse Roadshow. We constantly strive to enhance the experience of racegoers and those working in the industry. We have big plans in place to make necessary improvements to our customer facilities which we anticipate will increase our attendances and have a knock-on effect on our local area.”

Trainer David Marnane, on Tipperary Racecourse:

“Tipperary is a very good racecourse and the management are very friendly. A lot of good horses have progressed their early careers there. It’s a good, fair track and I’m delighted with the improvements that they have made. Every time I go there they seem to have made new enhancements.”

Trainer Aidan O’Brien, on Tipperary Racecourse

“I’m always happy to bring my best horses to Tipperary as the track is extremely well maintained by Andrew Hogan and his excellent team. It’s a very fair track with a friendly atmosphere and I am delighted to see its facilities continuously improving.”

Jockey Barry Geraghty, on Thurles Racecourse:

“Thurles is one of the stalwart racecourses in Ireland, attracting a lot of top-class horses with Cheltenham winners making regular appearances.”

Jockey Jonathan Burke, on Clonmel Racecourse:

“Clonmel is a top track which always provides great racing – unique undulations which some handle better than others. There is always a lively atmosphere at every race meeting and they run a great show. It has been a lucky place for me and I really enjoy riding around there.”