Horse Racing Ireland chief executive Suzanne Eade has put bonuses at the top of his list of priorities, with a total of €64.8 million suggested in 2022, as budget details for the year are detailed. to be announced on December 22.
Government funding amounts to 70.4 million euros for 2022, down 6.4 million euros from the COVID-19-enhanced pandemic figure in 2021, but higher than pre-pandemic levels. In 2020, the prize money fell to its lowest level since 2016, but the minimum prize money was restored last year and no races will be held below 10,000 euros in 2021.
While Eade admits the budget for 2022 presents challenges, she has pledged to ramp up bonuses, with next year’s total being surpassed only by 2019.
“This is a strong budget, focused on restoring prize money, supporting growth for those who make a living racing and ranching, investing in integrity and equine welfare,” she said. , as well as a racecourse capital program focused on ensuring a proper industry base.
“Frameing the industry budget for 2022 is not without challenges, but I am delighted that we have been able to support the 390 fixtures planned for 2022 and with it the opportunity for horses and people at all levels in the industry, while increasing average bonuses and bringing total owner bonuses back to the second-highest in history.”
Eade added: “From our ownership base, we know the importance of bonuses in attracting new people to our industry and retaining owners already there. With the reinstatement of the bounty, we’ll be investing in making sure that the owner base stays strong.”
HRI also revealed an increase to the IRE incentive scheme for breeders from €1.1 million to be paid out in 2021 in the form of a voucher that can be spent on Irish crossbreeds at sales. sales in Ireland, to €1.3 million by 2022.
There will also be increased funding for the point-to-point sector, reaching a record €2.5 million in recognition of the hardships experienced by organizers in the insurance sector.
The division of the Integrity and Equality welfare budget is still unclear. In 2021, the integrity and racecourse services were grouped together at €14 million, of which the Equestrian Council of Ireland received €9.66 million. However, in 2022, integrity is reflected in benefits with a total turnover of 13.4 million euros.
Acknowledging the need to improve facilities at the racetracks, Eade also revealed details of a €12 million industry-focused capital development plan with weight rooms, stabilizers and systems watering are considered specific areas of concern.
She explains: “HRI is also aware of the need to improve standards for all who work in the industry, especially when they enter racing. We will therefore launch a plan. developing a new industry-focused capital of 12 million euros including projects to be implemented in 2022-23, HRI will provide 4.8 million euros through a 40% grant.
“This scheme will target improvements to the main industrial areas of the racecourse infrastructure such as the weight room and the stables, as well as the financing of the racecourse itself including the enhancement of the irrigation system. country.”
