Drop in racehorse owner number

The number of active racehorse owners in Ireland dropped by just under 6% to 3,035 in the first half of 2014, following the release of Horse Racing Ireland’s half year figures this week.

The number of horses in training also fell by over 5% to 7,209, while the average attendance at race meetings did improve from 3,159 to 3,339. Among the other key indicators, on-course betting fell again, although not as markedly, going from €41.7m to €40.5m.

Betting with the Tote did increase though, with the figure of €27.6m representing a progression of over 11%.

Vintage crop

Last week was also one in which we lost a true legend of Irish flat racing in Vintage Crop, who passed away at the age of 27. A pioneer of international racing, Vintage Crop stormed to racing immortality when landing the 1993 Melbourne Cup for Dermot Weld and Michael Kinane. Also a dual Irish St Leger winner, Vintage Crop internationalised Australia’s most iconic race and his famous win at Flemington all those years ago will forever be remembered as one of the all-time-great feats.