Horse racing in Meath and Dublin generates €390m expenditure locally

The horse racing industry in Meath and Dublin generates €390 million in expenditure and provides 5,437 jobs locally, according to an independant report produced for Horse Racing Ireland.

In 2023 Deloitte produced an independent report for Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) on the Social and Economic Impact of Irish Thoroughbred Breeding and Racing, based on 2022 data which estimated Irish racing and breeding’s total expenditure to be €2.46 billion, with over 30,000 people employed, the majority of which are in rural communities.

The region is home to five racecourses, attracting a total attendance of 288,240 in 2023, and hosting some of Irelands largest and most popular racing festivals including Dublin Racing Festival, opening day of Irish Champions Festival, and the BoyleSports Irish Grand National.

Some of the most iconic studs and training establishments in Europe are located within Meath and Dublin, with 550 registered breeders and 80 licensed trainers across the two counties. Point-to-point racing is also strong in the region.

Bloodstock sales generated in the region amounted to an impressive €70m, with Tattersalls Ireland located in Ratoath, Co Meath, renowned for selling top class National Hunt horses both nationally and internationally.

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