Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill has launched a consultation on proposals for the rate of charges paid by bookmakers into the Horse Racing Fund (HRF) from 2016 onwards.
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The DARD Minister is reviewing the Horse Racing Fund operation.[/caption]
The HRF, which is administered by DARD, provides financial support for Downpatrick and Down Royal Racecourses, as laid down in The Horse Racing (NI) Order 1990. The value of the HRF, and required bookmaker charges, is reviewed on a regular basis.
Launching the consultation Minister O’Neill said: “Following representations from the local racecourses and from bookmakers, I commissioned my officials to review the Horse Racing Fund charges and to make recommendations for public consultation.
“The purpose of the consultation is to seek views on the future rate for charges on bookmakers that is fair and proportionate and will assist in ensuring the future of horse racing in the north.”
The consultation documents are available on the DARD Website:
www.dardni.gov.uk/horse-racing-fund-consultation.htm [caption id="attachment_50069" align="aligncenter" width="540"]
Downpatrick racecourse, a mecca for punters across Ireland.[/caption]]]>
