A RECENT edition of the Racing Post carried an article penned by Tom Kerr on the serious decline in ownership of racehorses in Britain. He quoted figures to show that the decline in Ireland is even more alarming. Irish owners have slumped from a high of 5,588 in 2007 to 3,663 in 2016.

Kerr pointed out five areas where improvements can be made: prize money, racecourse experience, catering for syndicates, administration and communication. I would broadly agree with his views. I previously believed prize money to be the great driver of any gambling-based industry. However, it is not too difficult to produce statistics to contradict this view.

Thanks to Government support the average prize money per race in Ireland is far superior to Britain. It is refreshing to see HRI spread it around more by increasing the values of lower grade handicaps. Prize money for point-to-points has also improved and there is some evidence that this is trickling down to small owners and handlers who might otherwise have given up the struggle.