Survey suggests increased interest in horseracing
Horse Racing Ireland has revealed the results of a nationwide poll that shows there is an increased interest in horseracing in Ireland.
A poll of over 1,000 people, conducted by the Red C research company for the week between 8th February and 15th February this year sought a wider understanding of the adult population’s attitudes to horseracing.
The results showed that 39 per cent of the population have an interest in horseracing versus 23 per cent in 2020
Some 85 per cent of racing fans are missing attending race meetings while 27 per cent of 18-34 year-olds plan to attend more race meetings than they previously did
Also revealed was that 40 per cent of the population would have some interest in joining a syndicate or racing club
Two in five people surveyed in a nationwide poll say they have an interest in horse racing, a significant rise from 23 per cent in 2020.
An overwhelming number of racing fans (85 per cent) are missing attending race meetings and once Ireland’s Covid-19 restrictions are lifted, 19 per cent plan to attend more race meetings than they did previously. This figure rises to 27 per cent of people aged between 18 and 34.
Becoming a racehorse owner, as part of a syndicate or racing club, appeals to three out of every four people who expressed an interest in horse racing; among the population as a whole, 40 per cent would be interested in joining a syndicate or racing club.
Brian Kavanagh, CEO of Horse Racing Ireland, said: “The results of the poll demonstrate that interest in horse racing has increased through the pandemic. While racing has been held behind closed doors since March of last year, it is heartening that such a large percentage of racing fans are eager for a return to the racecourse.
“The numbers of people getting involved in racehorse ownership continues to rise and the survey results reflect this increased appetite. Racehorse ownership is the key catalyst for growth at every level of the industry.”
Paul Dermody, CEO of HRI Racecourses and HRI’s Director of Commercial & Marketing, said: “The figure of 60 per cent for people who follow the sport on a weekly basis is well up on the 2020 equivalent of 47 per cent. The feedback shows that HRI’s ‘On Your Terms’ television ad campaign has performed very well among sports and racing fans.
“It is such a positive that there has been an increased number of race meetings broadcast live on terrestrial television and this has been very well received. We are grateful to both RTÉ and TG4 for their increased commitment to Irish Racing.
“Indeed, the new broadcasting deal with RTÉ for live coverage of Irish horse racing for the next three years will deliver a record number of free-to-air live racing days in Ireland.”