Figures from Horse Racing Ireland show that attendances at race meetings in 2007 moved up 1% from 2006's record levels.
The racing authority said the 1.46 million figure came despite a wet summer, though it fell short of expectations after a strong first half. Total betting was up 7.6% to €282m, while sponsorship rose by 13% to €9.2m. Turnover at the Tote jumped by 23% to just over €61m.
Ireland's first all-weather track opened at Dundalk in September. HRI said that despite an ongoing dispute between the racecourse and the INBA (Irish National Bookmakers Association), the initial experience of the facilities and evening floodlit racing had been positive.
The value of bloodstock sales at public auction in Ireland dropped by 7% from the record levels of €189.4m in 2006.
