INCREASES in prize money and further improvements in racecourse facilities are the chief measures being taken by Horse Racing Ireland to halt the decline in racehorse owner numbers.

Figures published this week showed that the number of horses in training continues to drop, along with the number of racehorse owners and those going racing and betting on-track.

The ownership figures are particularly worrying, HRI chief executive Brian Kavanagh admitting that the National Hunt sector needed “stimulation”.

A 7.2% drop in entries for National Hunt races last year was perhaps the most eye-catching figure published this week.

The number of horses in training fell by 4.6% from 8,613 to 8,214. Owner numbers dropped by 2.6% from 3,706 to 3,609, and the 644 new owners who joined the sport in 2015 represented a 2.4% drop from the year before.

Bloodstock and racing analyst John Lynam said: “It’s like trying to fill a bucket which has a hole in it. We’re leaking owners quicker than we can find new ones.”

Lynam believes that the domination of both flat and National Hunt racing at the top levels by a small number of owners is having several detrimental effects. “The big players are driving up the prices of the nicest horses which is making it more expensive for others to get involved.

“Super-rich owners can take the attrition rate involved in racehorse ownership and simply replace the bad horses. Ordinary owners, even wealthy ones, cannot do that and are liable to lose interest when they realise they can’t compete.”

positive indications

Aidan McGarry, Racehorse Ownership Manager with Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, said: “Undoubtably the declines in 2015 were disappointing and issues remain for owners and trainers alike.

However, there were positive indications in the second half of 2015 with most corresponding figures showing an increase in activity.

“While the significant increases in prize money and reduction in costs to owners and trainers have been an important enhancement over the last couple of years, equally so is the €100 million racecourse capital development programme.”

Investing in racecourse facilities would, he said: “Ensure the raceday experience is a positive and enjoyable one which is a hugely important factor in keeping and attracting owners to the sport.”

McGarry added: “Promotional events and activities will continue to take place throughout the year to drive further involvement in racehorse ownership which is a priority and long term focus for Irish Thoroughbred Marketing and Horse Racing Ireland.”

The total number of racegoers in Ireland was down by 0.7% from 1.29 million to 1.28 million in 2015, despite there being four extra fixtures, while the average attendance fell by 1.8% from 3,704 to 3,636.

The very wet weather resulted in 10 meetings being rescheduled, as opposed to one in 2014, while attendances in the final month of the year was down almost 18,000 after the wettest December on record.

Horse Racing Ireland is to increase prize money by €3.1 million this year from €53.4 million to €56.7 million while the minimum race value will rise by €1,000 to €9,000.

“We are building on our commitment to increase prize money and to reduce administrative costs for owners and trainers,” said HRI chief executive Brian Kavanagh.

“Competitive levels of prize money will help us to attract and retain owners, which remains our top priority.”

With the number of owners and horses in training continuing to fall, HRI focused more on the increase in bloodstock sales activity, which grew for the sixth consecutive year. Exports rose for the fifth consecutive year in 2015.

Tote Ireland also experienced a fifth consecutive year of growth, with turnover up 29%.