THE Curragh Racecourse and Training Grounds, which covers 1,500 acres, supports 1,176 jobs and has an economic impact valued at almost €100 million.

These are the main findings of a new report carried out by economist Jim Power. He also calculated that current development plans for the Curragh Racecourse will comfortably deliver a significant economic contribution of €110 million to both the local and national economy by 2023.

The 461 trainers and racing staff working throughout the Curragh is estimated to support another 410 secondary or indirect jobs locally.

This is further bolstered by a further 305 supported jobs in the tourism and hospitality sector.

Power estimates that the multiplier effect (when money earned is spent locally) results in over €50 million being circulated locally every year.

The report only focuses on the racing aspects of the area and excludes the local breeding sector.

The Curragh Racecourse had turnover of €7.12 million in 2019 and this led to over €12 million in direct and indirect local spending.

A total of 72,872 people attended racemeetings at the Curragh in 2019. Approximately 20% of those were overseas visitors.

The Irish National Stud attracts significant visitor numbers every year. In 2019, there was 137,000 visitors to the National Stud. This would have generated entrance fees of €1.5 million, which alone is estimated to generate €2.6 million in local spending.

Fáilte Ireland research suggests that overseas holidaymakers on average spend €96 per day and domestic overnight visitors spend €74 per day.

Overseas tourists account for 40% of visitors to the National Stud and, with the remaining 60% being domestic, this translates into €11.3 million in additional tourism expenditure in the region.

Fáilte Ireland estimates that every €1 million of tourism expenditure supports 27 tourism jobs. This means that the visitors to the National Stud support 305 jobs in the tourism/hospitality sector each year.

According to Fáilte Ireland, every euro spent on tourism generates 23c in tax revenue. Therefore the expenditure by tourists generates an estimated €2.6 million in Exchequer revenues.

Pat Keogh, CEO of the Curragh Racecourse and Training Grounds, said: “The 1,500 acres that make up the Curragh Racecourse and its training grounds is a driving heartbeat in what is a largely rural economy in Kildare.

“The potential here is enormous and we intend to increase our racegoer numbers to come to our amazing new racing facility here to 94,000 people in 2022 and 101,000 in 2023.

“We also expect more horses and trainers to base themselves here and make use of what is one of the best training facilities in the world.

“We expect the financial impact of this racing venue on the economy to exceed €110 million in 2023, which compares to having a multinational in this historic equine area.”

Jim Power commented: “The Curragh makes a very significant economic and employment contribution to a rural area, and the region will continue to contribute to Ireland’s stated regional economic growth agenda.

“The development of the Curragh Racecourse will build the tourism potential of the area and is totally consistent with the Fáilte Ireland strategy to grow Ireland’s Ancient East as a strong tourism brand in its own right.”

Racehorse training on the Curragh

  • There are 873 horses stabled and trained around the Curragh.
  • Over 400 horses stabled outside the Curragh use the Curragh training grounds on a regular basis each year.
  • There are 55 thoroughbred trainers around the Curragh.
  • There are 406 stable staff, racecourse staff, and other staff employed around the Curragh.
  • It is estimated that the training fees paid in a full year on the Curragh are €17.8 million.
  • It is estimated that farrier, veterinary bills, dentistry, entry fees, and other miscellaneous costs total €2.1 million.
  • It is estimated that gross wages paid to staff working around the Curragh total €12.5 million in a full year.

    • Industry information

  • The total direct and stimulated expenditure of the Irish breeding and racing industry is estimated at €1.8 billion per year. This comprises €914 million in core industry expenditure, and €927 million as the initial expenditure filters its way through the economy. In total the industry accounts for 28,900 employees.
  • One of the really important aspects of the horse racing industry in Ireland is the very strong rural and regional economic activity that it generates, and the employment that it supports throughout the country. In addition, it makes a very strong contribution to the social fabric of the country.
  • The analysis in this short report includes the Curragh Racecourse, Racing Tourism, and considerable stabling, and training activities located in the 1,500 acres around the Curragh. It excludes the considerable contribution that breeding activities make to the economy. All of these activities support significant employment, tourism, and general economic activity.
  • Racehorse activities on the Curragh, including training, race-days and tourism, makes a direct and in direct economic impact valued at €99.6 million per year.
  • These activities support an estimated 1,176 jobs in the region.