Make meetings in Ireland bigger and better to ensure brighter future

Poor attendance figures and lack of interest by the mainstream media and general public have clearly shown that minor race meetings in Ireland are just bookmaker industry fodder and are simply not needed as a vehicle to promote our sport. My guess is that once spectators return – whenever that may be – these meetings will be of even less importance. So why have them?

There are, of course, many ‘industry professionals’ who argue they are essential for the smaller trainer, for racecourses to generate income from media rights etc, but the reality is they are of no real value. Prize-money is generally poor, while attendance and interest is lacking.

Racing’s festivals are the lifeblood of the industry, not ordinary racedays. They generate the most media and public interest, attendances and income for all. More should be done to ensure that a race programme should be formulated to maximise the benefits of festivals, and yes, to the detriment of smaller meetings.