THE firm operating a quarter of all horse racing fixtures in the UK posted a rise in profits – but 2011 would be tough as the industry faces a major cut in funding.

Arena Leisure’s racecourses staged 352 fixtures in 2010. Average attendance rose by 4.2% to 1,800 with hospitality attendance up by 17% to 45,200. Pre-tax profits rose by 10.4%, a rise to £5.4m.

However, it said a “material uplift” in profits looked unlikely this year due to cuts in funding from the Levy on bookmakers.