Should underage kids be allowed on the racecourse?

Fair point Al

I dont have kids so cant say prefer to take the pretty blonde ones out to dinner when they get older.

Talking about families

My Grandad and Granny had a pub and both punted
My Mum and Dad did not gamble (except grand national)
Me what can I say been punting since 13 used to put Grannys bets on
My kids dont gamble but love going racing maybe twice a year

Well my daughter who is a minor,had to witness the tragic ending of last weeks horrible incident in front of the stand.I personally dont think its correct to take minors to the races,but everyone for themselves.Well in my case its a rare visit to the races for my daughter.I took her along so she could push the wheelbarrow with all the July winnings to the car,but better luck next time.

Follow on Parents footsteps is the reason why we have over 700 000 whites in Squatter camps today.... and yes the figure is right... i support a group called Doulos who give hand outs to this Squatters.
The Father worked at Eskom, Mines, Post Office, Railways etc.
The kids lines of work was open to that industry and income.
In 1994 it was closed for them with BEE.
They fell out next to the road.

Now i can only think the same about children growing up to be punters.
Some kids minds will be stronger than others.
Some of the kids personalities also... and they will be able to do the punting on a easy way.
But that kid who's mind/ Personality isn't that strong.........?

I can't believe what I'm reading - this is why there is never anyone at the course. Horseracing is a sport, just like any other sport. If a kid is allowed to go to the rugby, soccer or cricket etc. Then why the hell can't they go to the races. The problem is, that unlike racecourses anywhere else in the world - THERE ARE NO FACILITIES FOR THE AVERAGE RACEGOER................................ Horseracing is not just about the punting!!!! Maybe some of you should take a trip to your local training facility to maybe get an understanding of what these animals are all about.

If kids aren't allowed to go to the races, the how on earth is this sport going to grow???? 18 year olds don't just become fans over night!!!!

No offence to anyone - but my experience in this industry (shared by many high profile shareholders) is that there are far too many old farts in this game that continue to have a say!!!! Not good for the future of the sport!!!!

I have no problems with taking my kids to the course (or to the training track for that metter) - they get to see for themselves what racing is about and while incidents like the one the poor horse experienced this past weekend (we were not at the track) is obviously not ideal, I believe it must be dealt with honestly and openly - the kids need to learn that there is good and bad in most aspects of life; if they then decide at a later stage that racing is not for them, so be it - at least they would have based their decision on what racing actually is - the good and the bad - and hopefully will make them more balanced individuals?

But I also think Oscar has a point about 'seeing your dad blow your school fees in one afternoon' - however I don;t believe all kids should be banned from going to the races because a few parents misbehave?