Minister urged to help racecourse

Minister urged to help racecourse

23 September 2015

STORMONT Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill has been urged to ensure Downpatrick racecourse remains in business.

A week after a warning was issued that a dispute over funding could lead to the closure of the course, a senior politician said such a scenario must not be allowed to develop.

Councillor Dermot Curran said given the “huge importance” of the local track to the district, it must not only remain in business, but be provided with the funds it requires to make it even better.

The Downpatrick course, and Down Royal near Lisburn, want the government to reconsider proposed changes to the Horse Racing Fund which could significantly reduce the amount of financial support they receive each year. On course and off-course bookmakers pay a levy to the Fund which distributes money to both courses.

Over the past year, the fee paid by shops has decreased from £2,000 to £1,123 as the result of the end of a five-year deal agreed by the courses and the bookmakers. Downpatrick and Down Royal have warned the subsequent reduction in funding put their future in doubt. They are seeking an index-linked levy of £4,374 from each bookmaker’s shop.

Councillor Curran said the Downpatrick course attracts tens of thousands of visitors to the area each year and also provides employment, particularly on race day.

“Downpatrick racecourse is a key component of our tourism product and it must be allowed to further develop what it offers. We are fortunate to have such a prestigious track in our area which attracts competitors and visitors from across Ireland and further afield,” he said.

“Major investment has been pumped into the course over recent years and it consistently attracts top fields. The races are also televised to an audience of around two million people and this level of exposure is something money just could not buy.”

Councillor Curran confirmed he has written to DARD Minister Michelle O’Neill asking her to rethink proposed changes to the rates paid by bookmakers into the Horse Racing Fund.

Miss O’Neill’s department is currently consulting on proposed changes to the Fund which would impose a new levy of £2,350 which would decrease to £1,450 after five years.

“Both Downpatrick and Down Royal have made it clear that based on current costs, both would operate at a loss under this option and are seeking a levy of £4,374 per bookmaker’s shop which would generate annual funding of £650,000 for the Downpatrick course. This course is vitally important to our economy and steps must be taken to guarantee its future,” declared Councillor Curran.

“The local course plays an important role at the heart of the economy and major developments at the track over recent years have made it one of the best in Ireland. It must continue to be provided with the level of funding it requires to remain in business and plan for the future.”

Councillor Curran said the racecourse meetings in Downpatrick provide a boost for the local hospitality and catering industry and is concerned about the warning that cutting the funding to the track will ultimately lead to a reduction in the quantity and quality of racing and the potential loss of the facility.

He added: “This will have a negative impact on tourism and hospitality and must not be allowed to happen. I hope Miss O”Neill will ensure both Downpatrick and Down Royal are provided with the level of funding they require to remain in business. Downpatrick cannot and must not lose its race track.”