Racecourse A-Z Part Two

Part Two of my thumbnail sketches of our racecourses, this time G-P.

Goodwood

Set on the South Downs with stunning views on a clear day the racing is generally of a high quality.

Spacious enclosures and good viewing make for a great days racing.

My biggest gripe is the ultra-strict dress code in the Richmond Enclosure where gentlemen may only remove their jackets when somebody at the course decides they can – I’m more than capable of deciding when I’m too hot. 7/10

Hamilton

One of those so-so courses, nothing to really complain about but nothing to get over excited about either.

If there is such a thing as an “average” racecourse then Hamilton would be the one.

Haydock

I could write War And Peace about Haydock but this is a thumbnail so I will try and be succinct.

Haydock used to be one of the top National Hunt courses in the country, in the past few years it has been ruined to the point you wonder why they bother with National Hunt racing.

The course has superb enclosures and a lovely parade ring but one is left with the impression their priority is to get as many drinkers into the course as possible and never mind the racing. 3/10 where it has the potential to be a 7/10

Hexham

When I was describing Hexham to someone a few weeks ago I described it as the Goodwood of the North.

At first glance that may sound an odd comparison but in terms of a stunning natural location the comparison is apt.

On a clear day there are stunning views of the Northumbrian landscape, the trouble is clear days are the exception.

With no grandstand as such racegoers are exposed on a wild day but that should not detract.

The quality of racing is not high but a day at Hexham is invariably a pleasure. 8/10

Huntingdon

This may come as a surprise but I love Huntingdon and when I retire from covering racing the end of the year this is the course where I will take out an annual membership. (Plus they have some great reciprocals)

Visually bland, a flat (physically) course on first impression it doesn’t look much.

However the racing is of a reasonable standard, viewing is good, although a big screen at all meetings would be good. There is a very knowledgeable and passionate crowd. 8/10

Kelso

A really difficult course to get to, unless you live in the Borders of course, but well worth the trip.
Although it is probably one of the most difficult tracks to get to if you rely on public transport.

A “proper” National Hunt course, with a good knowledgeable crowd. Again not the highest quality racing but a venue for a great days racing. 8/10

Kempton

Another course which has been ruined. It was a great turf track but now flat racing is restricted to Polytrack.

Notwithstanding my not being keen on artificial surface racing, the track being set inside the turf course is too far from the stands. The floodlighting is not that good with very poor light on the far turn of the outer loop.

The one redeeming feature is the course still hosts national hunt racing. 5/10

Leicester

This is a course where my heart rules my head.

Being cold and unemotional it has little going for it.

The track itself is variable, it’s the only course I can recall seeing both” good to firm” and “soft” in the same going description. The members stand has seen better days and the racing is invariably low grade.

But I really like Leicester. They course is welcoming, I love the old stand, viewing is pretty good and the Aberdeen Angus Hot beef stall is the best food stall at any racecourse.   7/10

Lingfield

An all weather track redeemed by its turf racing.

Lingfield is one of the prettiest, best maintained tracks in the country and the Leafy Lingfield tagline is justified.

It’s a physically large track with good viewing. A good selection of food to suit all pockets and they have very informative information boards (which other courses should take note of) for the not so regular or new racegoers. 7/10

Ludlow

In my sketch about Chester I said most racegoers wouldn’t care if there was three legged donkey racing at the course.

I feel the same about Ludlow – even if they staged three legged donkey racing I would still want to go there – if only for the best stand anywhere in British racing.

If they ever think about demolishing that stand I will get contracts taken out on all those who make the decision. (that is a joke by the way, lest anyone with humour failure decides to call Knacker of The Yard – but you get my drift)

Looking like a refugee from a Victorian esplanade the magnificent flat roofed stand offers stunning views of the course and the surrounding hills, making racing a delight (although often cold as the roof is exposed)

There is no need to worry about the racing either as it is often competitive with a loyal, local crowd. 8½/10    

Market Rasen 

Rasen is another of those courses which seems to be a long way from anywhere if you aren’t a local but another where the journey is worth it.

Well laid out with excellent viewing the quality can be pretty decent as well. 8/10

Musselburgh

Musselburgh seems to have its own microclimate as when the rest of Scotland freezes they still seem to be able to race.

It’s another of those middle of the road courses, nothing flash but nothing to complain about. A good days racing and reasonable crowds.  6/10

Newbury

Newbury is an odd course – it seems too big!!

The stands are a long way back from the track and if in the stands you almost feel detached from the action.

Due to the size, unless there is a big crowd the place feels empty. On the other hand when the crowds are big they tend to get a bit “lively” - so finding the balance is difficult.

It’s a shame because the racing at Newbury is usually of a good standard but something does not feel right about it. 6½/10

Newcastle

On the plus side the enclosures are well laid out and viewing of the racing is reasonable but not perfect .

The downside of the track, especially at the “big” meetings is it mirrors the City’s nightlife – drink as much as possible and lets all get bladdered.

Perhaps that’s a slight exaggeration but it’s not far short. I know press room colleagues who refuse point blank to cover some of the big Saturday meetings because of the atmosphere. Quiet midweek meetings 6/10, big meetings 2/10

Newmarket (July)

Viewing is poor, races over 1m 2f use a dog leg out of view of the enclosures and because it is a straight course most of the viewing is head on.

That aside it is a truly delightful course – no other course in the country has a thatched weighing room or saddling boxes.

The Friday evening concerts can be packed with people not interested in the racing and teenyboppers if a boy band is performing.

Ignoring the music nights it is a delightful course and much more relaxed than it’s neighbour. 8/10 (non-music nights)

Newmarket (Rowley)

In complete contrast to the July course I find the Rowley Mile course soulless and depressing.

Viewing issues are the same as the July course but the grandstand is a concrete monstrosity which is in complete contrast to the atmospheric buildings on the July course.

Indeed the Rowley Mile course is one of those courses which is much more attractive behind than in front of the stands.

I don’t know why but the Rowley Mile seems to attract a more rowdy crowd than the July Course. 4/10

Newton Abbot

Another of those courses which offers no frills but just an honest to goodness, down to earth, grass roots National Hunt experience.

There are some knowledgeable locals but with most of their racing in the summer they attract the holiday crowd and more than their fair share of occasional racegoers.

They do have some of the best value meals you will find on a racecourse. 7/10

Nottingham

For some reason Nottingham always seems a difficult course to get to, not least if you come from the M1 you end up having do go through the city to get there.

Another of those courses which is prettier behind rather than in front of the stands. The course is functional rather than flash.

The racing is reasonable and there are worse courses to visit. 6/10

Perth

This is the course I have visited fewest times and I have not been there for five years (although I hope to rectify that next week).

From what I recall there is a loyal local following for what is another good, small, national hunt course.

Viewing isn’t particularly brilliant with the low Grandstand. 7/10

Plumpton

I’m going to start to sound like a cracked record here but we have another perfect small NH course.

Functional buildings, a testing course – especially after it has rained for a few days – and a loyal local following.

Another course with grass roots racing at its very best. 8/10

Pontefract

Look at the horizon and you will see Ferrybridge Power Station look around you and you are in a delightful park setting.

Impressive old red brick stands, four enclosures to suit all tastes and a management team who love the course.

The welcome is warm, the racing competitive and a great place to while away a summer afternoon. 8/10

Bad Friday?

Once again we have a day when the majority of the population have a day off work, plenty of leisure time and leisure pounds to spend, yet those who want to are denied the opportunity to go racing.

Why – because it is Good Friday and “traditionally” there has never been racing on Good Friday – so that’s it then, nothing else to discuss.

Bring back the dinosaurs as well, well no need really as there are plenty around in racing.

Funny, we used to not race on Sundays for similar reasons but, eventually, common sense prevailed and we now race on Sundays.

Although being British we have approached the entire concept of Sunday racing half-cocked and have somehow contrived to turn Sunday’s into a day where racecourses struggle to attract decent crowds, when it could be the busiest day of the week in terms of attendances and betting turnover. Elsewhere in Europe Sunday is the biggest racing day of the week.

Musselburgh racecourse have indicated they want to stage a meeting next Good Friday and I wish them well but those in the PJA, ROA, NTF and NASS are, according to Paul Struthers, opposed to the idea.

Well that’s no surprise, between them they have as much business acumen as an amoeba and put their own self interests ahead of those of the industry as a whole.

Let’s have a blank day on  public holiday when we could stage some high class racing and attract big family crowds.

Racing is a leisure industry and needs to be available when there is the demand. All other major sports operate on Good Friday and get the bums on seats.

If racing cannot be bothered to race on a public holiday it, frankly, deserves to fail. If those who supposedly run this sport cannot see the benefits of racing on a public holiday they need to be replaced, pronto.

Their lame argument is staff need a break and a rest and that is something I wholly agree with but I will return to that aspect later.

Another argument is people can spend time with their families. I have limited sympathy with that argument. If quality family time is so important then work in a 9-5, Monday – Friday job.  

Anyway most stable staff will still have to work even if there is no racing – or do the horses look after themselves on non-racing days?  

Perhaps they would care to explain what one blank day will do to help the lot of stable staff, jockeys etc.?

Maybe opponents could explain why there should be a random blank day in the calendar just because it coincides with a religious festival?

Now if people want to believe in such things that’s absolutely fine with me and I respect their beliefs, but I don’t see why they should impose their sackcloth and ashes mentality on those who do not share their views.

Another argument is there is too much racing already. I actually agree with that but would also argue two or three extra meetings would have little effect in the wider scheme of things.

So instead of taking a half-hearted approach and having a random blank day why not take the bull by the horns and schedule regular blank days in the calendar.

Instead of shooting itself in the foot and not stage racing on a potentially lucrative day why not have blank Monday’s?

How about not scheduling racing on those wet winter Mondays where one man and his dog turns up for racing which generates little betting turnover.

Indeed make Monday blank throughout the year apart from Bank Holidays and school holidays. That way the staff will get regular days when they don’t have to go racing.

Instead of one blank day on Good Friday why not have 40 blank Monday’s throughout the year? 

Would that not address the concerns expressed about Good Friday racing?

The jockeys can still have their annual piss-up at the Lesters – just stage it on a Sunday night instead of the Thursday before Good Friday.

I am not advocating forcing people to go racing on Good Friday if they don't want to. Unlike those who advocate not racing on Good Friday on religious grounds who are forcing their views on me and preventing me from having a choice.

So I’m not against having blank days in the racing schedule, what I do find objectionable, and offensive, is having blank days imposed just because of some religious festival. 

  

Piss Up In A Brewery?

Two of my “favourite” bugbears have come to the fore in the past few days, so it’s time, once again to go into full Victor Meldrew mode and say “I don’t believe it”

Or that is what I should be saying, the sad reality is I do believe it, as once again racing shows how it has the ability to make itself look absolutely stupid without really having to try.

The first is repeated inspections and in the last three days we have seen examples of them going both ways.

On Friday Musselburgh played the rolling inspection game but with a new twist, whereby they moved the goalposts, along with the first race time.

After a couple of failed inspections they called yet another inspection for 12:00 and moved the first race time back from 12:10 to 12:40.

When the course failed to pass the 12:00 inspection they moved the first race back to 13:10 pending a further inspection but had to, eventually, call the meeting off at 13:00, some 50 minutes after the original scheduled time of the opening race.

Roll forward two days and it was the turn of Leicester to play musical inspections and an almost similar pattern followed.  This time the controversial decision was taken to race just after midday, with the first race scheduled for 12:50 being put back 20 minutes.

I say controversial decision as the decision to race was not met with universal acclaim with, apparently the jockeys being more happy to race than the trainers. As a consequence 31 of the 62 declared runners did not run.

It’s also clear the course could not have been fit to race when the meeting was given the go ahead as ground staff frantically continued to work on the course right up until the off time of the first race.

Now I can understand courses wanting to give meetings every opportunity to go ahead, especially in the case of Leicester who have lost eight meetings already this year, including five on the bounce.

However is making such late calls fair on racegoers, their customers, or is getting Levy income more important.

Not all racegoers live within ten miles of a racecourse, is it acceptable for them to be expected to make what could be long and ultimately fruitless journeys.

On Friday, whilst the Musselburgh saga was unfolding I tweeted, “If I were cynical I would say it's a case of getting punters in and into the bars, mitigating losses if off”.

In truth I wasn’t being cynical at all – after all the bar and catering staff will be in place and will presumably need to be paid, so why not get the punters  in the doors and get some income from alcohol sales?

I recall driving to one of our major racecourses where they were having an ongoing inspection saga, it was a really frosty day and it looked like going to the line.

Listening to the radio as I drove to the course a spokesman for the course was interviewed and they, maybe inadvertently, gave the game away when they said, “racegoers should still come to the course because even if we call the meeting off all the bars will be open and the away racing will be shown.”

The trouble with these ongoing inspections is the decision ultimately comes down to the course in the shape of the Clerk Of The Course and the Stewards.

The former is an employee of the course and the latter (apart from the Stipes) are appointed by the course so will therefore be disinclined to upset the course.

The course, understandably, has an interest in the meeting going ahead so will always tend to err on the side of proceeding where there is even the remotest glimmer of hope.

Whilst in no was questioning the professionalism of the Clerks, they are put in a difficult position because of their closeness to the course.

Where the decision to race is a close call it is my belief the final decision should be taken away from the courses themselves as they have too big a vested interest. The BHA employ course inspectors and where it looks like being a close call as to whether racing can proceed the decision to race or not should be made by the course inspector and stipendiary stewards.

Additionally a meeting should be called off if the course is not fit to race two hours before the scheduled off time of the opening race. Yes it may mean some meetings may fall which may otherwise have gone ahead but it would result in less inconvenience to racegoers and trainers and would be better PR for the sport.

The other bugbear is race times.

The big race on Saturday was the Hennessy Gold Cup, one of the biggest handicaps of the season, a race that takes around 6’30” to run and it was scheduled to start at 15:10 on Saturday.

Towcester’s final race of the afternoon, an insignificant bumper, was scheduled to begin at 15:15, so it was guaranteed to clash with the Hennessy.

Racing cannot organise even the simple things.

First of all it was crass bad planning to schedule the Towcester bumper to start at that time, why could it not have been scheduled for a 15:20 start?

However it was announced over the PA at Towcester that the start of the bumper would be held back until after the Hennessy finished and the Hennessy would be shown on the big screen, with commentary – excellent planning on the part of Towcester.

So what happened?

The Towcester bumper went off just as the leaders cleared the last in the Hennessy.

Why the hell could they not have held the start of the bumper back for a matter of another 30 seconds?

The starter has absolutely no excuse for not knowing about the Hennessy as it was being shown on the big screen with the commentary on the PA and the Towcester start was immediately in front of the stands - so unless the starter was deaf and / or stupid he could not have failed to have been aware the Hennessy was still running. Indeed even some of the jocks were watching the big race on the big screen.

It is telling that as soon as the field was off the starter sprinted to the car park - presumably to make a swift exit.

Commentator Ian Bartlett was left with something of a dilemma - did he start the commentary of the bumper or did he allow the Hennessy commentary to finish - we ended up with both being broadcast over the PA.

At least the director in the scanner van didn’t cut off the end of the Hennessy on the big screen, I think there would have been a riot had he done so, as I would say 97% of the crowd (and 100% of the press room) were watching the Hennessy as opposed to the bumper.

The words piss-up and brewery spring to mind.