Racing For Change Positive Initiative

(Busy: Doncaster Racecourse during free entry week)

Successful Free Racing


Statistics have been released by Racing For Change showing the results of the free racing week. The response appears positive with some 40,000 new spectators going racing. Interestingly however, a list compiled showing the most enjoyable parts of the experience of the races featured 'a fun day out' at the top. This was followed by 'atmosphere' and in third place 'winning' with the actual watching of the races and the horses featuring lower down in list.

Of course another 40,000 spectators at the races during the free week is excellent news and is evidence that the initiatives set by Racing For Change and the British Horse Racing Authority are achieving what they have set out to, and that is to bring racing to newer audience and attract more visitors to this beautiful pastime. Maybe not enough focus is being placed on the actual preparations, the parade ring before a race and the build up to a race. This is evident in the list mentioned above. With 'winning' notching a higher ranking in the list than actually watching the horses run it may suggest people who 'win' at the races are the people more likely to return. That states the obvious of course, who would not return to a place where they have a great day out and take home more money than they left with? But as this is not always the case it is vital in attracting spectators whose focus is not 100 per cent on the betting side of the sport but instead more on the actual event. This is why clear championships should be outlined, clearer seasons marked and adverts featuring jockeys battling it out for the honours should be shown.

Following the questioning of spectators during the free racing week another list was also made suggesting improvements which provides evidence that more information is required in order to attract new viewers. With 57 per cent of people suggesting there was no improvement needed and the next on the list being the amendment to the over pricing of drinks it is clear that this can not be used as informative research on suggested improvements at race courses. The suggestion of more seats and viewing areas is one which could be taken on board by racecourses around the country with easy access to parade rings available. Sometimes by having a cheap area without access to the parade ring such as Uttoxeter as and denying people who can not afford to upgrade to more expensive enclosures this could result in lack of interest.

Ascot racecourse managed to conduct their own survey during the free week and a discovery that many of the spectators came as couples and lived within an hours drive of the course. These are the people who racing should target first, people who live in the immediate and surrounding areas who may spread the word to wider audiences. Maybe another initiative by Racing For Change could be the discount of rail tickets when shown alongside a ticket for the races making travel to course cheaper and more attractive.

Whatever the next incentive is it is sure to attract people, the critics of Racing For Change should look at the publication of the statistics which suggest all is positive in the bid to promote racing and bring it to a new audience.