| UK Horse Racing is facing a problem as they look | | | | numbers to make them more visible. Another |
| towards the future. Horse racing has not really caught | | | | innovation is in the event of a tight finish the photo |
| the imagination of the younger generation and there is | | | | finish photograph will be displayed on the course big |
| a fear that the sports popularity could decline | | | | screen at the same time the judge announces the |
| significantly in the coming years. | | | | result. |
| In an attempt to solve the problem the racing | | | | Free membership to a new racing club and reduced |
| authorities have formed a group called Racing For | | | | admission charges for young adults is going to be |
| Change (RFC) to look at all aspects of the sport and | | | | introduced and the opportunity to have shares in |
| to make recommendations. As a result of their | | | | certain racehorses. |
| deliberations the committee have come up with an | | | | One big bone of contention for race goers has been |
| initial 10 proposals. | | | | the discrepancy in the odds and conditions offered by |
| The proposals include the trial of decimal odds at | | | | on course bookmakers and their off course |
| several race meetings over one weekend in spring | | | | counterparts. Under the new proposals On-course |
| 2010. Currently in the UK bookmakers use fractional | | | | bookmakers will be encouraged to offer standard |
| odds such as 5/1 and 100/30. However, because of | | | | each way terms and enhanced customer service via |
| the introduction of exchange trading many punters are | | | | agreed minimum service standards. |
| now familiar with decimal odds. | | | | Due to sponsorship and the growth of all-weather |
| It is also proposed that jockeys and trainers should | | | | racing the names of horse races have become very |
| receive media training, presumably so that they come | | | | long and consulate. It is suggested that race names be |
| over better during interviews and discussions. The | | | | simplified. Another plan is to launch a new web site |
| intention appears to create more "household names" | | | | which will target new and novice customers. Along |
| from the racing industry. Further to this the full first and | | | | with this a new PR campaign is going to be launched |
| second names of the jockeys and trainers will appear | | | | aimed at raising the profile of the sport. |
| on the race cards. | | | | How affective these new moves are going to be is |
| The committee has also looked at making horse racing | | | | something only time will tell. At least it is encouraging |
| a more pleasurable experience for race goers. It is | | | | that the authorities have accepted that there is a |
| proposed to increase the size of the saddle cloth | | | | problem and are trying to do something about it. |