Sir, - the increase of the minimum value per race to €10,000 in 2008 was a welcome development that provided a meaningful boost to racehorse owners across Ireland, while also benefiting the wider racing and breeding industry.

However, since 2022, there have been growing calls for a further increase in basic prize levels. This need has become even more apparent since 2024. Costs across all areas of the industry have risen significantly in recent years, while prize money has stagnated—or even declined - with many races seeing reduced prize money since 2022.