Critical list: on-course market is dying a slow death with no hope of revival

Two stories from the betting sector have made headlines in the past week. A dispute involving the Irish National Professional Bookmakers Association (INPBA) and the Association of Irish Racecourses (AIR) has spilled over into the public domain. Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) is stuck awkwardly in the middle, with no defined role.

If the dispute escalates, it could have implications for the compilation of starting prices and will cause disruption for on-course punters. A cynic would argue the latter is a minority concern.

Meanwhile, HRI has announced a 'strategic review' of its Tote Ireland offshoot, raising the prospect of a sell-off of the operation, which has been an integral part of the Irish racing scene since its introduction at the Fairyhouse Easter meeting in 1930.