THE publication of racing statistics for the first six months of 2018 show that racecourses have been having a tough time, but that racecourse executives continue to provide the best possible programmes for owners and racegoers alike.

Attracting the best horses is the catalyst for getting more people through the turnstiles and while total prizemoney rose by 4.4%, race sponsorship grew by an impressive 7% in the same period. Brian Kavanagh, Horse Racing Ireland chief executive, was upbeat about the latter. “It is encouraging that race sponsorship continues to rise as companies and organisations see Irish racing as a fitting partner to help promote and grow their business, as well as utilising racemeetings as a fun and deeply traditional social occasion.”