Scottish Racing Annual Report for 2016

According to the 2016 Annual Review published by Scottish Racing, only football is a more watched spectator sport north of the border which signifies that racing is galloping ahead of the likes of ice hockey, rugby and golf.

The Review confirms that horseracing plays an important role in both the Scottish community and its economy, by highlighting the following:

• The sport generates £302million to the Scottish economy – more than three times that of Scotland’s computer games industry (£93.0m), and more than four times as big as the museums sector.
• The racing industry in Scotland maintains a total of 3,430 jobs – more than three quarters of the number of jobs in Scotland’s fishing industry. 
• Racing is second only to football in the top five spectator sports in Scotland, and attendances at Scottish racecourses have increased 10.8% since 2012, to over 300,000, - more than rugby and golf spectators. 
• The Scottish racecourses are a popular destination for locals and visitors to Scotland offering its own mix of fixtures and non-racing events. All spectators generate plenty of economic activity before and after racing by spending on catering, accommodation and other services. 

Musselburgh Racecourse continues to play its part in the success story of Scottish Racing, recording its highest every attendance at last month’s (June) Edinburgh Gin Edinburgh Cup meeting when more than 6300 spectators watched trainer Mark Johnston win the prestigious race for the fourth time, and then followed up with another 10,000 capacity crowd at the annual Stobo Castle Ladies Day.

Racecourse chief executive, Bill Farnsworth, said: “This is excellent news for Scottish Racing and confirms that horseracing plays and important sporting, social and economic role which impacts not just on East Lothian but in communities across Scotland.

“We are delighted that Musselburgh makes a strong contribution to this ongoing success story and we will continue to work hard to attract the very best trainers and jockeys and to provide a premium racing product of which Musselburgh and East Lothian can be proud.”

Scottish Racing’s Chairman, Sir Ian Good said “The fantastic success of One For Arthur in the Randox Health Grand National gave racing in Scotland an opportunity to highlight its many positive aspects.  Scottish Racing commissioned an Economic Impact Study in 2016, and the results of this have confirmed how well the sport is thriving in Scotland.”

Scottish Racing Manager, Delly Innes, added: "With the Economic Impact Study stating that more people went racing than visited golf tournaments and rugby matches, we have every reason to feel optimistic that we are now communicating with an even wider group of people”.