Tote Jackpot

Sir, In highlighting the futility of HRI persistently lobbying Government for an increase in betting tax, I thought David Skelly made a lot of valid points in last week’s article (Jan 13th edition, pages A14-15), not least being his observation that the media right payments are ‘consumed’ by the racecourses.

I disagree with just one of his points when he says that reconfiguring the Tote would be a major investment risk. The Tote, in fact, could be turned around with very little capital investment. It should start by taking a long, hard look at the deductions from its various pools, which are among the highest of any racing nation.

Just one example: the four-race accumulator Jackpot. Due to the larcenously high deduction of 30%, very few punters put money into the pool unless there is a substantial carryover.

In the 1960s the takeout from the Jackpot was 10%. Now, almost 60 years later, it is three times that! Nobody at Tote Ireland seems to realise that in recent years the betting landscape has changed from a high-margin, low turnover model, to the complete opposite with markets driven by mobile and internet betting.

The Tote jackpot, with a maximum takeout of 10% or so, has the potential to be one of the most attractive pool bets in Europe. It could generate enormous pools on a regular basis, leading to substantial additional revenues which could be added to the Government’s existing annual grant to increase prize money. Surely 10% of a very large pool is a lot better than 30% of an abysmally small pool? – Yours etc.,

JAMES MURPHY,

Malahide,

Co Dublin.

John’s legacy

Sir, - I am writing to pay tribute to one of our industry’s unsung heroes - John Lynch, who sadly passed away on Friday last, January 12th.

John was a shining light at the bloodstock sales for many years in his role as the head of his transport company, Five Star Transport. He will be missed by all of us in our tight-knit community of sales junkies.

John was the type of person who couldn’t do enough for you. He was kind and gracious with his time and a most willing friend to all. With a twinkle in his eye and a cheeky smile, John was a true character, the likes of which make our industry what it is. His loss will be felt deeply, not just by his friends but anyone who had the good fortune to have crossed his path.

John will be missed most by his family but also by his Five Star family - Jimmy, Liz, Noel and the rest. I am delighted that they will continue to run Five Star and John’s legacy will live on. – Yours etc.,

DAVID O’CALLAGHAN,

Yeomanstown Stud,

Co Kildare.

Letters to the Editor should be addressed to The Editor, The Irish Field, Irish Farm Centre, Bluebell, Dublin 12. Name, address and telephone number must be included for verification. Letters are published at the Editor’s discretion and the Editor reserves the right to edit letters within reason.