Good news from Ireland on growth in the horse racing industry in 2011.

Bloodstock sales, Tote betting and racecourse attendances produced significant growth in 2011, according to figures issued by Horse Racing Ireland (HRI).

Racecourse attendances were up by 40,000 at 1.24 million compared to 1.20 million in 2010. The average attendance at race meetings in 2011 was 3,682, up 3% from 3,586.

Tote betting was €51.1 million, up 11.3% from €45.9 million, with most of the increase generated by international co-mingling deals.

RTÉ Racing: Racing industry saw growth in 2011.