THE Tote saw a significant growth in turnover during the Punchestown Festival, with betting receipts of €4.5 million compared to €3.4 million last year.

Chief executive Tim Higgins commented: “I would summarise the increase as being attributable to continued growth in our international markets generally. We accepted bets into our Punchestown pools from customers and partners in 17 countries.”

He added that there has also been good growth through the Tote’s bookmaker channel as a result of increased distribution through the Independent bookmakers in Ireland over the past year. Interest in exotic bets such as the Placepot, Jackpot and Pick 6 has grown, he said. The Jackpot dividend on day two of the festival was €40,999 for a €1 stake.

Last year the Tote reported total turnover up 29% to €79.9 million.

The Tote has just made two key appointments. Brian Hayes has taken the role of Operations Manager where he will have responsibility for all aspects of Tote Operations both on and off the course. A lifelong racing fan, Hayes previously spent 11 years with Phonewatch, most recently as Chief Operations Officer.

MARKETING

Joe Hennessy will join the Tote next month as Sales and Marketing Manager from Google where he is currently Senior Account Manager in the UK & Ireland Large Client Services Group. Hennessy recently completed an MSc in Digital Marketing and Analytics in DIT obtaining first class honours and was awarded the Marketing Institute of Ireland Gold Medal for obtaining first place.