EQUESTRIAN I have always tried to
treat people as I would like to be treated and stand by this quote from one of the film greats in the saddle, John Wayne: ‘it’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice’
”
How do you see the future of National Hunt and especially smaller courses like Plumpton? Will racegoers return in numbers and will there be lasting changes to the way courses present racing and entertain visitors?
It’s the funding of racing that’s coming into question as this pandemic crisis goes on. The industry is worried about owners leaving the sport. Without owners we don’t have horses: without horses there is no racing. That’s the worst scenario. Income from public attendance at meetings is another big concern all the time there’s a ban on public gatherings. Also, without a flourishing betting industry there’s the consequent downturn in levy income to worry about.
These are all causes for concern right
now. It’s a vicious circle creating questions for which we would all like solutions. I’m an optimist and I do think we’ll get back to a near normal soon, but there are certainly going to be changes in the way racing is presented and experienced. Thank goodness no UK courses yet look threatened by closure, and certainly Plumpton is ready for the off in September. We can’t wait.
I feel we have a good geographical spread now of all-weather tracks and, personally, whilst I appreciate their place in our sport, I think enough is enough. Turf racing is the very essence of British racing. One of the biggest challenges is how to crack the younger market. Here at Plumpton we have family days and that certainly does bring in more youngsters and whet their appetite for racing.
Which has given you most satisfaction in recent years - looking after the Plumpton turf or seeing that its meetings run smoothly? Groundsman or Clerk?
After a successful day’s racing here and you see everyone going home happy, as Clerk it gives a real sense of satisfaction, pride if you like, in a job well done.
The satisfaction as a groundsman comes before that, on the morning of race day, when you know the course is ready for a good day of racing. You’ve put everything into getting the best possible surface. I’m lucky really. I get a double whammy and can be proud at both ends of race day. It’s a long day. I get in here about 5.45am on race days, but if things go well there’s nothing like it, dawn to dusk.
Will you be a racegoer after you leave your jobs at Plumpton? What about your plans for the future?
I will always come and watch racing here when I can. Racing is always going to be a
big part of my life. It has been since my dad first brought me here on a race day back in 1966.
I have no specific plans, maybe a bit of allotment gardening. I just want to enjoy some ‘me time’ I think it’s called, and pay back some of the time I owe my wife for being a racing widow all these years.
Final thoughts?
As a humble village lad I was very lucky to be given the chance to Clerk at Plumpton, having had a state secondary education with just three low grade CSEs to my name. I hope I have managed to repay their faith in me.
My other good fortune was being supported over the years by a loyal local team of men and women, adding plenty of extra pairs of hands when needed. I am pleased to say many of them remain friends to this day.
Over the years, I have always tried to treat people as I would like to be treated and stand by this quote from one of the film greats in the saddle, John Wayne. He said: “it’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.
There are six race meetings to go at Plumpton this year. It’s going to be a busy and poignant few months for Mark.
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PC August/September 2020
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