WITH Deloitte identifying that point-to-point racing in Ireland generated €37 million annually in expenditure in their 2017 report for Horse Racing Ireland on the economic impact of racing and breeding, the impacts of this current suspension potentially extending over a prolonged period would be wide-reaching and keenly felt within the trade of store sales.

Point-to-point owners and handlers invest heavily within this market each year and have become some of the biggest players within it. Peter Nolan is one of the leading consignors at the summer store sales and he is acutely aware of the potential ramifications for his sector following the suspension of the point-to-point season.

“The point-to-point lads are massive, they would be key to us. It would be a massive hit for the stores, as it is one big conveyor belt. If the lads can’t get their four- and five-year-olds out running and sold on, it will be very hard to come out and spend the money again the year after,” he said.

“Last year’s sales were definitely down but it did hold up better than we thought. That left us with enough to go back and spend on the foals which everyone has done. A second year in a row of the point-to-point lads taking a hit will be different altogether. The number of horses that they have in now are backing up massively.

“I think it is all now about the length of time that this lockdown is going to hit us for. If it is for a month or even six weeks, to bring you to the start of March, I think lads would pull through it and be able to work away, but anything longer than that I would see it having a big effect.

“If you were to be stopped until April 1st we would be in for a very tough year.”