UK racecourse attendances increased for the third consecutive year to a record high of 6.15 million in 2011, according to latest figures published by the Racecourse Association (RA).

It is the first time that total attendances exceeded 6 million since 2004, while the figures also reported a 1 per cent increase in average daily attendances for the 12-month period.

According to the RA, the sport has seen an increase in the number of people visiting venues during a time when Levy income and corporate sponsorship are on the decline.

RA chief executive Stephen Atkin said: "Financially it is a very difficult time for people at the moment, so it is a vindication of the exemplary work being done on UK's racecourses that more and more people are enjoying a day out at the races."

Details: www.britishracecourses.org

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