“If racing were a publicly quoted company, after that announcement the share price would have fallen 30 per cent.”
Been meaning to write-up my thoughts on this subject for a while now. Motivated into action as a result of reading this article and comments on the Racing Forum.
FWIW here are the changes I would implement to bring back the punters
Reduce Entry Costs
I’m fortunate enough to have relatives who live in the sunny state of Florida and on many occasions attended Calder and Gulfstream racecourses.
Both courses are outstanding, both courses charge $5 (£3.22) entrance fee, free for senior citizens. Contrast this against a cost of £18 ($27) for premier enclosure admission at a gaff track like Bath (and higher for the so called grade 1 courses), tell me again what exactly do we get for our custom?
Update on Course Facilities
Frankly the facilities at some UK courses are abysmal compared to US tracks. Punters are paying customers; treat them with respect by providing facilities, surroundings and catering which leaves punters with a sweet taste instead of bitter especially if they’ve lost money during their visit!!
Educate the Punter.
Why do men feel they can bet or undertake DIY projects without formal training?
I am one of the few that subscribe to the notion that punters perpetuate the myth of corruption in the sport of kings to paper over their own failings. With a little education punters can save all the heartache and avoid the jolly in a 0-55 rated fillies’ handicap or favourite in a conditional jockey’s race!
My other betting vice (Craps, a rarity in this country thank god) was introduced to me at a free seminar in Vegas during one of my visits. Pre race, why don’t the race course hold similar sessions for first time or novice punters to explain horseracing terms and betting in basic and simple language?
Zero Tolerance Policy
Discourage on course drunkenness and abusive behaviour seen in most city centres on a Saturday night.
Reduce Prices for Food and Beverages
Today there is shocking profiteering for substandard food and drink at racecourses. However, during my visits to Wolverhampton, Lingfield and Kempton the food is passable but expensive; elsewhere the food is substandard at best and expensive!
Improve the Standard of Racing
There are too many horses chasing and an ever decreasing amount of prize money. If the product is the horses, then racing is selling punters a substandard item when the BHA churn out low grade races day after day. With the advent of the credit crunch racing needs to cut its costs according by investing in quality and not quantity.
Make Attending a Race Meeting an Event
Encourage (not enforce) a formal dress code. Women like to dress up, some blokes too. With the upgrading on course facilities punters should wear attire to match. Make the punter feel privilege to go racing!
Encourage families by catering to their needs (on course picnic areas and playgrounds). Let the kids see the horses up-close and personal by encouraging horse “petting areas”. Provide areas where families can be together without being crushed by masses.
In summary our racing authorities needs to up its game or face a slow decline from the nation’s consciousness. When reading the comments posted on the racing forum, alas it may be too late..
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5 Responses to Rebranding Racing
Scott F
May 27th, 2009 at 17:01
Only just saw this, and strongly agree with most of it. Sandown have signs spread throughout the course explaining a lot of the terminology – it’s not perfect, but it’s better than I’ve seen anywhere else.
The education/corruption/personal failings is a great line – if punters better understood the concepts of percentages, randomness, form and value, they’d quit moaning and get on with it !
Sporting Life Horse Racing
June 4th, 2009 at 00:36
You made some good points there. I did a search on the topic and found most people will agree with your blog.
slipperytoad
June 4th, 2009 at 10:18
Just my opinion.. My issue is why don’t the authorities listen to us punters?
stroller.
January 9th, 2011 at 21:56
A formal dress code! Basically racing takes place in big, wide open spaces at all times of the year in all kinds of weather. Not quite sure what dress code could apply.
slipperytoad
January 9th, 2011 at 22:12
Agreed and not seeking DJ’s in the height of summer or bouncers at entrances to racecourses, but if racegoers felt that racing was an “occasion” and dressed accordingly racing would become an event that people would want to attend because everyone else was dressed to impress as well. Somehow racing needs to diversify from just betting. I hate the focus on fashion at Ascot etc, but in todays celebrity obsessed culture being suited and booted is where its at …. innit!