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Thursday, July 31, 2008Contact: Maurits Bruggink, IFHA
+33.1.56099340
Global Betting on Horseracing up by over 3%

According to the 2007 Annual Report published by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities today, betting on horseracing went up to almost € 89 billion in 2007, up by over 3% compared to the year before.

“This is a good sign; in particular considering its value is expressed in the Euro currency, which much increased its value- in US Dollars, our growth would even have shown stronger” comments IFHA Chairman Louis Romanet. “Unfortunately, betting is not up everywhere and we will continue to play our part at international level to promote horseracing.”

The Annual Report also includes global statistics on racing, prize money, breeding and attendances. It also covers the end-of year World Thoroughbred Racehorse Rankings and reports of the various working committees.

The Annual Report highlights the harmonization of rules carried out in areas like racing, medication, transport or race grading. Romanet adds:”The IFHA will make great efforts in the coming years to harmonize race day rules and the reciprocation of penalties. The racing product is traded more and more globally and we need to do more on harmonizing rules if we want international participation at races.”

A copy of the Annual Report can be found on this website.

E-Mail : mbruggink@IFHAonline.org