October
SeptemberAfternoon delight
When are racing administrators going to realise that racing is part of the entertainment industry, not just the wagering industry?
I am thinking of the decision to schedule the Cox Plate, our premier weight-for-age race, at 5.35pm local time.
If we are going to showcase out premier racedays on free-to-air television, which I think is a must, we have to run these races at premium afternoon viewing times, where we can attract newcomers to racing. There is no evidence to suggest that more people bet between 4.00pm and 7.00pm. This myth has been debunked on more than one occasion.
On the subject of scheduling, isn’t it time we did away with these nine- and 10-race extravaganzas that start in the morning and finish at sunset?
Surely a seven- or eight-race card of Group 1 and 2 races would generate more interest and wagering turnover than the current set-up, starting off with ordinary city-class races at 11.00am and finishing at 5.45pm with the same type of race.
A better idea would be to start the raceday at 1.00pm eastern and conclude at around 4.30pm. This would showcase the best races at the peak afternoon viewing time and would encourage free-to-air media to take up racing coverage again.
Fairview Park (SA)