IT was revealed this week that a staggering €22.3 million is spent by racing fans from Ireland visiting the Cheltenham Festival. And that does not take into account the amount of money wagered on the festival races.

The statistics were revealed at a press conference held by Jockey Club Racecourses at the Westbury Hotel in Dublin on Monday to highlight the relationship between the Cheltenham Festival and Ireland. The figures were the result of an Economic Impact Analysis (EIA) carried out by the University of Gloucestershire on behalf of Cheltenham Racecourse.

The total figure is spread across travel, accommodation, tickets and entertainment.

Almost one in three tickets are purchased from Ireland. On average, 14,343 visitors from Ireland attended each day of the four-day Festival in 2016.

The figures do not include complimentary tickets, hospitality bookings, owners and trainers badges or tickets purchased by further numbers of Irish patrons living in Britain and abroad who also attend the festival.

The analysis was compiled from 810 completed questionnaires and supplemented by data from Cheltenham Racecourse which showed that there were ticket sales to 12,750 individuals based in Ireland who purchased an average of 4.5 tickets each.

Earlier in the visit, 2016 hero Don Cossack was reunited in St Stephen’s Green with the Gold Cup he won last year for a photograph with Ian Renton, Regional Director of the South West region of The Jockey Club.

Renton told the press conference: “The study, which is believed to be the first of its kind, sought to measure the direct economic benefits and participation of attendees who travelled from Ireland to the festival.

“This is the first time we have studied the economic impact of Ireland’s participation and the results demonstrate the very significant ongoing role played by Irish fans to the success of the festival. Irish fans make up close to one-third of our attendance over the week, helping to create a truly unique atmosphere and experience for all racegoers.

The highest spend was on entertainment (betting etc) €5.23 million (£4.5 million), followed by food and drink €4.5 million (£3.87 million), accommodation €4.1 million (£3.54 million) and entry fees €2.6 million (£2.24 million). Average spends per attendee included: entertainment €556 (£479), tour package €508 (£437), accommodation €419 (£361), and food and drink €374 (£322).

Speaking at the press conference, trainer Noel Meade recalled his highs and lows from when he had his first runner there, Batista, second in the Triumph Hurdle in 1976 to his successes with the likes of Sausalito Bay. Never missing a meeting since, he told of how a part of Cheltenham becomes “Paddyville” for the week with Meade, Walshes, Mullins’, Elliotts and Nolans all staying in the one quarters.

Brian Kavanagh, Chief Executive of Horse Racing Ireland, also commented: “The importance of Cheltenham to Ireland goes beyond just the punters and racegoers as winning there is of vital importance to owners, breeders, trainers and jockeys and can be the highlight of a career, or the making of a horse’s pedigree.”

In terms of the relationship between Cheltenham and Irish horsemen (trainers, owners and jockeys), the number of Irish runners has increased significantly over the past two decades with a record number of 155 in 2015. In the 10 years from 2006 to 2016, Irish-trained runners jumped from 89 to 144 last year, an increase of over 60%. Also on display at the Westbury was the BetBright Cup for the most number of winners between Britain and Ireland, and won by Ireland for the second time in 2016.

Gold Cup Day sold out

CHELTENHAM Gold Cup Day, on Friday, March 17th, is completely sold out in all enclosures at the 2017 Cheltenham - Club, Tattersalls and Best Mate. This has occurred two weeks earlier than last year, with badge and ticket sales very strong.

A limited amount of hospitality remains for Gold Cup Day, while there is still availability for the first three days of The Festival - Champion Day (Tuesday, March 14th), Ladies Day (Wednesday, March 15th) and St Patrick’s Thursday (Thursday, March 16th).

No big race surprises

COLIN Tizzard will have three leading contenders for the Gold Cup as the Friday championship is now the only festival entry for Cue Card.

The Tizzard-trained quartet of Thistlecrack, Native River, Cue Card and Theatre Guide are among 29 horses to stand their ground in the Timico Gold Cup. Alary has been taken out following his heavy fall at Exeter last weekend.

Eight horses have been scratched from the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase, including Gary Moore’s Ar Mad, dual Festival hero Champagne Fever and Irish Gold Cup winner Sizing John. Douvan and Altior star among 20 horses still in contention, although Altior remains highly likely to run in the Arkle Trophy.

Bristol De Mai and Cue Card have also been taken out of the Ryanair, meaning the Gold Cup remains their only Festival target, but Sizing John is still on both lists.

In the Stan James Champion Hurdle, Vroum Vroum Mag the only Rich Ricci-owned contender among 19 possible runners.

Meade plans

NOEL Meade revealed this week that Jamie Codd has been booked to ride A Genie In Abottle in the NH Chase, while Road To Riches will run in the Gold Cup.