Sir,

It was interesting to read the results of Horse Racing Ireland’s racehorse owner survey published in The Irish Field on Saturday last, April 7th.

For many years AIRO (The Association of Irish Racehorse Owners) has campaigned, on behalf of owners, with Horse Racing Ireland and the Association of Irish Racecourses on the issues highlighted and the results of the survey as shown confirm the content of our submissions to these industry bodies.

Prize money has been maintained at a good level but it is worth noting that owners contributed 23% of total prize money in 2017 and also had 24% deducted from any winnings by way of contributions to the Trainers, Jockeys, Stable Staff and Jockeys Emergency Fund.

While there has been some reduction in owner charges, further reductions are needed in entry fees and other annual recurring charges.

A number of racecourses have improved their offering to owners on a day that they have a runner and this is welcomed but there are still some that need to improve in this area.

The recent allocation of additional admission tickets is also welcomed although racing clubs did not fare so well in this initiative and while it is understood that this is being looked at, it is an issue that needs to be addressed.

The media rights deal that was concluded a short while ago gives significant income to racecourses over the next five years and owners, as provider of the product for these rights, are entitled to expect tangible acknowledgement of this.

There was a very small net increase in ownership in 2017 and to retain existing owners it is important that the relative bodies address their concerns.

As stated by an owner in another article in the same edition of the paper –“If you haven’t got the owner you’ve nothing. You have no horse racing” – Yours etc.,

AIDEN BURNS,

Manager, AIRO.