How To Ruin A Racecourse

My local racecourse is only 12 miles down the road and it used to be one of my favourites.

Note I am speaking in the past tense, sadly it is now one of my least favourite.

It's a course where people cannot even agree how it is pronounced, John Francome in his Salisbury burr pronounces it Tow-kester with the Tow rhyming with Cow. Others, including locals, pronounce it Toaster. Whicever way it is said it is spelt Towcester.

Set in a natural amphitheatre it offers great viewing. It used to have a lovely old grandstand, a bit rustic, but it had a roof and offered excellent viewing under shelter.

Unfortunately the stand was too rustic and the local council decided it needed to be demolished. It was a shame, however the course executive announced they would have a consultation with racegoers, so everything looked promising.

I’m not sure who they spoke to. Looking at the new stand it is apparent the ‘normal racegoer was not consulted. The top floor is dedicated to corporate boxed. The first floor to a restaurant. The public are offered tiered viewing, which, in the courses defence, does offer good viewing. However there is one thing missing and that is cover. If it rains the regular punter gets wet.

Today it rained at Towcester – if you wanted to watch the racing you get wet. If you want to shelter the area inside the stands is crushed beyond comfort or you can shelter in a tent.

Frankly Towcester have cocked up. How can you build a multi million pound stand and not provide any cover for punters when it rains?

Towcester have been very crafty – they have dropped any admission charges at most meetings. Yippee it’s free!! I thought this was a good altruistic move when it was first announced.

Now I have my doubts.

I think Towcester know they have cocked up with the new stand. By going down the free admission path it takes the wind out of any complaints. After all how can you complain when you haven’t paid?

Well quite easily actually.

So go to Towcester – if it’s a nice day you can enjoy it. If the forecast is rain forget it. If the weather is changeable do as I do today. Watch the first two races and when it starts raining, goes home and enjoy it on Channel 415.