Why don't we go racing in SA?

Record numbers flock to British racecourses
 
BY PAUL EACOTT 7:10AM 24 JAN 2012
 
BRITISH racecourses attracted record crowds in 2011 with aggregate attendances exceeding 6.15 million for the first time,
but those numbers disguised a downward trend in jump racing
as the average number of racegoers fell.

Turf and all-weather Flat racing cards attracted more paying
customers last year than the year before, but while the numbers attending jumps meetings also increased the average slipped noticeably.

Over the year the average attendance at jumps meetings dropped only marginally, from 3,980 to 3,919, but without the uneven measure of December, blighted by poor weather in 2010 but host to an almost unblemished programme in 2011, those numbers took a downward turn, falling from 4,002 in 2010 to 3,857 last year, more than 3.6 per cent.

Despite the figures, racecourse managements remain positive.
Jonathan Garratt, managing director of Cartmel, whose average attendance at their seven meetings dropped by 13.15 per cent to 8,293, said: "I have absolutely no concerns about it. In our case the weather forecast for both bank holidays was very poor and miraculously we got away with it. I don't think there is anything wrong with the jumping product."

His counterpart at Newbury,Stephen Higgins, had similar
thoughts. "Flat racing has warm weather on its side and when
you're looking for a new audience the weather makes a difference.

"As well as December, January and February were also challenging weather-wise and you only need to lose one or two meetings then for the average to be affected."

Bookmakers maintained another factor, small and uncompetitive fields, could have impacted on the numbers attending jumps fixtures.

Ladbrokes' spokesman David Williams said: "Unfortunately
we're seeing too many jumps meetings where there is a plethora
of small-runner fields and odds-on favourites. I'm thinking
particularly about novice chases at midweek meetings.

"Within an industry that is scrambling for every penny
and every pound these are not proving to be appealing to
people who are looking elsewhere for their entertainment."

Despite the dip in numbers at jumps meetings, Racecourse Association chief executive Stephen Atkin was delighted with the general increase.

"I'm very pleased to see racecourse attendance on the up for
a third year in a row, and to break the previous record is fantastic,"he said. "Financially it is a very difficult time for people at the moment, so it's a vindication of the exemplary work being done on Britain's racecourses that more and more people are enjoying a day out at the races."

I have noticed we have had an upswing in people attending big meetings but the bread and butter race days I am sure is in decline? Does anyone have local figures?

Turfs is in a rough area,should open a track @ randjies,will be much better

Scotia the truth is Saffers are apathetic to a lot of things. Big named music artists don't even stop in Durban anymore for instance due to the lack of support. This Usher guy cancelled the Durban and Cape leg of his Hansa music tour. They claim it was logistics, the truth is no support.

apathy's the main thing imho ... if we really wanted to we would go. Easier just to stay home and watch TT.

Other things I've picked up along the years are that some people see racing as cruel; that racecourses are dangerous places (don't know why, I've never had a scrap of trouble); and that they are sometimes in scurfy areas where driving is a hazard to the one's health.

Ppl work in the week, so there will never be really grreat support in the week and on the weekends it's just easier to watch on TT.......and the mrs will go crazy if i left her with the 2 kids for half the day:)

Mavourneen Wrote:

---

>....Other things I've picked up along the years are
> that some people see racing as cruel; .......

Yip, I've noticed this too. And I'm not even talking about jumping...

They do have about 60 race courses in an area smaller than Natal for starters, an affluent older generation and trains to get there. Time, money, transport and proper race courses in a first world country...how can you possibly compare it to here?

fyi
BRITAIN: 2011 HORSE RACING ATTENDANCE BREAKS RECORD
by Paulick Report Staff | 01.24.2012 | 6:49am

More people attended British horse racing events than ever before in 2011 as total attendance at race courses topped 6.15 million for the first time. While jumps racing saw its average attendance fall off considerably, Racecourse Association chief executive Stephen Atkin tells the Racing Post it's hard to complain about the overall totals.

"I'm very pleased to see racecourse attendance on the up for a third year in a row, and to break the previous record is fantastic,"he said. "Financially it is a very difficult time for people at the moment, so it's a vindication of the exemplary work being done on Britain's racecourses that more and more people are enjoying a day out at the races."

Paul Bittar, CEO of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), said:

"The widespread popularity of British racing, particularly the festivals, is reflected in these figures and I would like to congratulate the racecourses on the tremendous achievement of attracting a record figure of 6.15m racegoers in 2011. It is testament to the enduring appeal of a day at the races and also to the value of more focussed and creative marketing in these challenging economic times.

"With last year's figures completing a third consecutive rise and topping the previous high from 2004, there appears to be a direct correlation between positive racecourse attendance figures and a central PR presence to assist in promoting the sport, which is rewarding for all those involved in the sport and supporting Racing for Change.

"As a measure of the sport's popularity it is excellent news. However it does also highlight the discrepancy with the sport's overall financial health and it underlines how the current levy system is failing British racing when attendances break new records yet the Levy income continues to decline. The BHA is intent on working with other key industry parties to rectify this situation going forward."

Jack no comparison intended, it's on an upward trend from a strong base, are we on upward trend, do we have figures?

Alcaponee Wrote:

---

> Scotia the truth is Saffers are apathetic to a lot
> of things. Big named music artists don't even stop
> in Durban anymore for instance due to the lack of
> support. This Usher guy cancelled the Durban and
> Cape leg of his Hansa music tour. They claim it
> was logistics, the truth is no support.

I beg to differ Al, any music tour or sporting event for that matter is well supported in dbn, I'm from the generation who grew up listening to usher and believe me if that concert was held in Dbn it wouldve been sold out. If you compare racecourse attendance I'm sure we are superior to other racecourses in SA

Why people don't go racing in SA :

1.) Too much boring, low quality racing in SA. ( You need to compare SA racing attendance to Lingfield, Southwell & Wolverhampton - where they grind away with endless poor quality fare - if you want to compare ). You can't compare us with Goodwood, Cheltenham, Ascot etc., unless you compare on a festival level.

2.) Because the average UK track stages a fraction of the racing put on by SA courses they can promote in a more focused and energetic fashion. They also get local support because many courses are very much seen as part of the local community.

3.) South Africans who do not race perceive the sport as corrupt and crooked. Fact. When I started racing my then employer unofficially cautioned me that my association with the sport might impair my chances of advancement.

4.) There is little or no 'horse culture' in SA any longer. Until they invent a Playstation with four legs and a tail this trend will continue. The demise of clubs like the Cape Hunt is a mortal blow to creating horse aware youngsters.

5.) The cost/return has plummeted. Middle class owners genuinely cannot ( or do not want to ) afford it any longer. One full horse in training with a leading trainer could pay off a Porsche these days. I'd rather have the Porsche because at that price I am unlikely to get it home and find out that it does not have an engine! Lol. And when I sell it on I get back a good percentage of my outlay.

6.) Other TOP CLASS attractions in HD on DSTV.

7.) Social Networking has connected fans with the sporting personalities themselves in other codes. Racing still habitually gives the impression that those 'in the know' speak out of the sides of their mouths, pull horses and engineer coups. Closed shop.

8.) And my old favourite : It's too complicated!!!!! Newbies give up after race 3, get pissed, go home. Never return.

9.) Very few jurisdictions race 24/7 and 364 days a year. EVERYONE needs a break. A complete shutdown to re-charge and anticipate.

Garrick, i agree fully with point 9.