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Rebecca Dixon keeps us up to date with her news, thoughts and reviews. Please scroll down to read the remainder of the review and other links.

The future of horse racing

This week I went to Windsor racing and I am not sure if it was because it was a warm summer evening or if it was because I was at a southern track but there appeared to be a lot more young people there. I suppose it could be something to do with the fact that there was a band playing once the racing had finished. On this particular evening we listened to U2 UK who were actually quite good. There was a large choice of food available which was nice and plenty of tables and chairs.

I often wonder what will happen to racing in the future as I feel that it has become an expensive hobby. Well I suppose it has always been an expensive hobby for the owners but for people who just want to enjoy the sport and the social side it has now become very expensive. In fact not one of my friends follows racing, unless one of our horses is running and the main reason is due to the cost. They all express an interest and say they would love to go until they hear the price. My sister recently told her friends they had paid the wrong price for some badges and that it would be cheaper on the day until I told her that it was actually £20 to get in.

However the racecourses are starting to realise this and offer incentives. I believe offering incentives is better than reducing the entry price as obviously the courses still have to make money. By having a band to play after the racing it means that the day’s racing or evening’s racing isn’t over so quickly and you can really make a full day of it. The other advantage to this is that people stay at the course longer and buy more refreshments. This was especially true at Windsor judging by the number of empty glasses and bottles.

Rather randomly as I left Windsor on Monday evening I was presented with a pair of Royal Windsor Racecourse flip flops (see right)! Obviously I go racing to work but if I had just gone for a fun night out it is a clever marketing ploy! I am convinced that every woman who had gone for a social night out and was presented with a pair of these complimentary shoes would have been thrilled. The novelty of it for one thing and it probably relived some ladies’ aching feet from going round in heels all evening. It would definitely make them talk about Windsor racecourse to their friends and they would definitely remember that. You may be able to tell that I was quite thrilled to get a pair and more than happy to show a photo of me modelling them on my Facebook page!

This summer some courses offered free entry which was another great idea and a lot offer packages which include meals or drinks. I do believe that racecourses need to do more for group bookings. I have arranged a number of race outings now and the discounts can be shocking! When I call a racecourse and state that I am arranging a trip I would like to be treated well and offered incentives. Cheaper entry, a discount on the food or even some drinks vouchers and I certainly don’t expect to pay for a race card. I appreciate that racecourses need to make money but at the end of the day if someone can’t arrange a trip for the budget they have they will just go elsewhere. Some courses have a member of staff to deal with groups and I think that is the best way to organise things as they tend to remember if they have spoken with you before and they know the best deal they can offer instead of having to check with someone else and get back to you.

While reading the recent BHA email I noticed that they are looking for Student Ambassadors amongst the country’s universities. This is a fabulous way to target future racehorse owners. I assume that there will be various trips and outings arranged and I believe there will be tours to racing yards. I have kept the details on file to pass to my sister (Marten’s youngest daughter) when she has finished her gap year and starts at Uni in September 2011. I think she would be great at promoting horse racing and I would be more than happy to assist her. If you are interested for someone you know then please click here or visit http://www.britishhorseracing.co.uk/goracing/student-ambassadors/

The BHA also manage the Go To The Races website which offers various information on special offers and the basics when it comes to racing. They have news, information as well as a promotions page. I should point out that the promotions page is slightly out of date listing some events from May.

All of these are great ideas but I am wondering if there is a gap now amongst the horseracing fans? I believe that these latest recruitment plans will pay off and the number of people racing will increase and by starting younger they will hopefully develop a true passion for the sport. But what about the age group who have missed this marketing? As I say not one of my friends follows racing and I am 31. Is there a gap in horse racing of the 30 somethings? I am organising a racing trip this autumn amongst my friends so maybe I can start leading the way and get them involved.

I should point out that although it is good to increase the number of people racing I am assuming that the professionals can always do their work. I know that at one particular meeting Marten struggled to get to the pre parade to see the horses due to the volume of people who were just sitting around drinking. The only solution is that racecourses offer a dedicated area that doesn't get in the way of the people who rightly want to see the horses. I know that York Racecourse, in particular, is good at having dedicated social areas.

On another matter ATR are offering free video streaming during July. Please visit their website for further information or click here.

Previous topics covered (please email if you would like a copy):
Review of the BHA website, Free entry to racing, Horse of the year competition, Racehorse rehabilitation, Review of the Racing post website, Review of the Oddschecker website and review of ATR’s website.