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racecourses and the professional AV suppliers, to which racecourses would subscribe. We recommend that the forthcoming tendering exercise for AV suppliers to racing should incorporate the development of this standard.
Areas for Development
• The SP feed to the CCTV system should be automated, as the Tote feed currently is.
• High definition cameras should be costed and introduced progressively as soon as possible to ensure that racing enters the HD era with a strong product offering.
• Sound system upgrades must include localised sound control for the parade ring area to deliver parade ring interviews to those who are interested, without overspill or excessive noise.
• Provide for a radio camera to bring the ‘press huddle’ to racegoers and distribute parade ring interviews to TV and radio stations through syndication.
1.3.4 RACECOURSE RATING SCALE
In addition to the re-introduction of a quality programme, we can also rate racecourses in terms of their betting activity which reflects the degree of engagement which racegoers have with the sport. The on-course Tote turnover figures are a particularly good measure of the participation of the casual and occasional racegoer. A three year rolling average on-course Tote figure for each racecourse provides an accurate rating of a given raceday’s ability to attract the social racegoer.
A quality rating and on-course Tote figure for each racecourse combined would give a clear view of the attractiveness or otherwise of a racecourse on a given raceday. These should be considered together with track reports and Racegoer Consultative Forum reports to ‘rate’ each course.
The point of having a rating scale for racecourses is that, apart from the truism that measurement changes performance, it would also provide a basis for decision – making on the allocation of resources such as fixtures, capital and improvement grants and marketing support.
1.3.5 RACECOURSE DEVELOPMENT
The Curragh and Leopardstown are in need of significant re-development if they are to live up to their Premier
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‘flagship’ status and attract new audiences. While noting that funding is not available in the current climate, the committee recommends that they must be the priority for funding whenever it becomes available. We acknowledge that while some of the facilities are below leisure-market standards at these venues, which host world-class races, their racing surfaces and horse/horsemen facilities are excellent.
1.3.6 SHORTER INTERVALS BETWEEN RACES
We recommended trial of shorter intervals between races, starting with Dundalk, and further examination and trial of a mixed-card short-interval raceday as summarised below:
• Mixed Card Meeting – 8 races. • Flat/National Hunt alternate races with shorter intervals for turnaround. Two sets of officials. Preferably evening meetings 6.30-9pm, linked to entertainment and new faster paced betting opportunities. Question whether jockeys need to attend Stewards enquiries, without prejudice to the right of appeal. Stewards enquiries to be held after racing. If bookies paid first past the post this process would be greatly assisted. Weigh-in and out in the parade ring. This would require close liaison well in advance with media partners.
We have been challenged to ‘make racing more interesting’ if we are to interest people in racing. Shorter intervals have been mooted as one means to do this, reducing the period of inactivity, particularly for those not absorbed by the rituals and customs of the sport, although many racing professionals also support this idea. Mixed meetings are also very popular with racegoers and should be considered for development.
1.3.7 RACECOURSE AWARDS IN HRI ANNUAL AWARDS
The HRI Annual Awards recognise the achievements of our horses, horsemen and women and persons who have made an outstanding contribution to the industry. Racecourses should be included as a category to incentivise and reward the producers of the show which racegoers pay to see. This will need careful consideration to ensure a balanced and independent evaluation of racecourse performance. The racecourse rating scale advocated in section 1.3.4 would be a useful starting point.
STRATEGIC MARKETING GROUP REPORT TO HRI BOARD
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