Tips thread.

Commenting on the figures, Brian Kavanagh, Chief Executive, Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) said:- “Against a challenging economic background, horse racing has been able to maintain its overall level of attendance in the first six months of 2008 and the Tote’s turnover is virtually on a par with last year. Although there is anecdotal evidence that trainers are starting to see a decline in horse numbers, this is not reflected in the figures for the year to date. In the month of June there were 7,320 horses in training compared to 7,176 for the same month last year. Nonetheless, HRI recognises that there is likely to be a downturn in horse numbers as the year progresses”.

Brian Kavanagh continued: “One of the most pleasing aspects of the year has been the significant improvement in the balloting situation, which whilst still problematic, has seen an almost 18% decline in the total number of eliminations at the half year point. However, further progress is still required and HRI has therefore taken the decision to extend its quality control efforts by increasing the minimum qualifying rating under both codes for 2009 – from 45 to 47 for the flat and from 77 to 80 for hurdle races.”