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

Tinkering, Rebuilding and Diesel

Well I go away for a week and come home to find the powers that be have once again tinkered with the Grand National – this year’s grand plan involves shortening the race by around 90 yards to take the start away from the crowds and to shorten the run-in to the first fence.

Is this a radical move or another shuffling of the deckchairs as the ship sinks?

I suppose all will be revealed next April.

There is no change to the field size which, in my view, is a major issue. It would still be as spectacular a contest were the safety limit to be reduced to thirty.

I also note no changes have been made to make the runners respect the fences more, although I do welcome the decision to review the structure of the underlying structure of the fences. I think if people saw a “naked” National fence, before the spruce is added, they would be shocked.

Work is also going to be undertaken to ease the landing side of the fences – will this make the fences more inviting to jump and in the process increase the risk of falls.

Again it’s just my view, I think the fences should be higher so they are approached with more care and respect.

As I have previously written I have, in recent years, fallen out of love with the Grand National. Sod tradition but I think it is becoming a liability to the sport as a whole and I would happily see it sacrificed if it was for the betterment of the sport as a whole.

Others disagree with me and they are entitled to their view as I am to mine ….. time will tell as to which view turns out to be the right one.

It seems Newbury were unlucky with the cancellation of the Lionel Richie concert planned after racing yesterday, or should I call them “The Racecourse Newbury” as in a fantastic piece od spin they have announced a partnership with a building company to re-develop the site basically adding a couple of housing estates and a Hotel. Of course the announcement has been crafted by the spin doctors but it cannot disguise what is a crass decision.

One of the great “innovations” is moving some of the car parking to the centre of the course – how will that be accessed – by a tunnel then it may be OK, although there will be a pinch point. If not a tunnel then it will involve crossing the track which will a) potentially damage the track and b) restrict times when racegoers can arrive and leave the course.  When will courses learn that centre course parking does not work.

Also can you imagine the disruption there will be whilst all the construction work takes place?

Time for a non-racing rant now. I’ve just spent a week driving on the continent and one thing that struck me was the disparity in fuel prices between the UK and Europe. Before setting off I filled up the car with diesel and I paid £1.429 a litre at my local supermarket.

Whilst on the subject of fuel prices what is the point of the 0.7p or 0.9p that is added onto a price of a litre. If I bought one single litre of fuel would I be given 0.1p change?

Anyway in France, Belgium and The Netherlands the price of a litre of diesel was between the equivalent of between £1.09 and £1.17 a litre …. why the disparity in this country?

The other thing was just how good the motorway service areas were on the continent. The services visited in both Belgium and The Netherlands put ours to shame. They were spotlessly clean, including the toilets and the food prices were no different than in the local towns and the food was edible and they were relatively close together.

Whereas our service areas are "fast food” outlets and/or food I wouldn't feed to an animal, never mind eat myself, sold at an extortionate mark-up. Unfortunately motorway service areas are an occupational hazard for me, although I tend to use them only for "relief" stops as it were.

When I lived in The Netherlands the food in the service areas was so good people actually went out for dinner in the service area restaurants.

The only decent service area in the UK, in my experience, is Tebay on the M6 in Cumbria - it's still quite expensive but it does serve decent food.

Time Gentlemen Please

Racing once again hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons on Saturday as violence erupted between supporters of Cardiff City and Swansea City at Newbury racecourse.

If you haven’t seen the unedifying spectacle it can be seen in the attached You Tube video.

It was no surprise that Stephen Higgins, Newbury’s joint-managing director, tried to underplay the situation, telling the Racing Post “There was a disappointing incident of anti-social behaviour which was dealt with by the racecourse security team and local police. So far as we know, there are no serious injuries.”

It was further three days before a fuller statement emerged from Newbury, stating, “We were disappointed by the outbreak of antisocial behaviour at the race meeting on Saturday 14th July.

This was unrelated to racing and was an isolated incident limited to a small number of individuals in an overall crowd of 11,500. Given the type of disturbance, our security team worked hard to control and contain a difficult situation, with a coordinated response from Thames Valley Police.

Our on course medical team dealt with 12 injuries on site while the police dealt with the individuals concerned once the issue has been contained.

Our primary concern was to protect the general public, and attend to those who had been injured.

We have provided CCTV footage and will aim to identify and ban all those involved. We have also identified the coach companies and we will not take advanced bookings from these again.

We apologise for the distress that this may have caused, and assure you that we will continue to review our security and safety provision.

This incident is extremely rare at Newbury and we will do all we can to ensure that there is no repeat. We have stringent security and staff briefing measures to ensure the safety of racegoers and will continue to step up our zero tolerance to bad behaviour policy.”

Frankly that bland statement is not enough and simply blaming what happened on those involved is as good a demonstration of hand washing since a certain P Pilate passed judgement some 2,000 years ago.

Disappointed? You’re disappointed if your horse does not win. They should be mortified and extremely embarrassed.

The reality is Newbury are not completely blameless and have questions to ask.

Although it should also be stressed Newbury are, in a way, unfortunate as something like this could have happened at most racecourses. It’s just happenstance that Newbury drew the short straw on this occasion.

In truth any criticisms directed at Newbury could also be directed at most other racecourses. I have little doubt many racecourse managers were breathing a sigh of relief and were thinking, “there but the grace of God go I.”

So turning back to last Saturday.

The troublemakers arrived in coaches - were they already "tanked-up" when they arrived at the course? If so why were they admitted? Also what is banning that particular coach company going to achieve?

If alcohol was served to them at the course - why? It is a breach of their drinks licence to serve alcohol to those who are "worse for wear".

Finally what exactly did the security team do – most seemed to be milling around doing their utmost not to get involved.

Newbury already have “previous” with breaching their licence conditions in selling to under-age drinkers, admittedly they have addressed that issue by instigating a wristband scheme for young drinkers.

As I said this isn't a problem just associated with Newbury - like it or not there is a regular problem with coach loads of drunk Welsh at both Chepstow and Bath, especially at evening and weekend meetings.

I've arrived at a Chepstow meeting before, two hours before racing starts, and seen a coach arrive with its occupants so tanked up and they should not have been admitted to the course.

Let me stress it is unfair to single out Welsh racegoers, it can and does happen all round the country, even more so during the close season for football where the football supporters look for another outlet for sorting out their rucks.

I have only singled out the Welsh because it was pertinent in this case and the Welsh coach parties are "legendary" at racecourses in the area.

Speaking to colleagues since the weekend it appears there was also a nasty undercurrent at both the Newmarket and York meetings as well.

It is understandable the courses will pretend there is not a big issue or will underplay any problems because bar income is a massive earner for them and they don't want to kill the goose which lays the golden egg. Plus the spin boys in the marketing departments only see the good in anything.

I was once the licensee for the Sports and Social club where I worked and I couldn't believe the discount we could get on the alcohol and we weren't a big user. I imagine the discounts available to bulk users like racecourses would be even better. We could charge 30p a pint on top of cost and make enough money to run and staff the bar and still make a modest profit to subsidise clubs and events. At the time we were around 75p a pint cheaper than the local pubs and even more so than local sports venues. So I shudder to think how much they were making a pint.

Personally I cannot see the need to sell alcohol at racecourses - are people seriously saying they cannot enjoy a day at the races without having to take a drug to help get them through the day?

If racing really cannot get racegoers to enjoy the sport without having to drink then what hope does it have?

The drunken brawl is, thankfully, an extreme manifestation of the alcohol problem at racecourses, however why should normal, decent people have to put up with drink fuelled anti-social behaviour be it boorish behaviour, rowdiness or full scale punch-ups?

Why should ordinary people pay around twenty quid, often more, to go into a racecourse and find themselves amongst drunks or even in the middle of a fight?

Thankfully fights are rare but not as rare as many think, more often than not they go unreported but they do happen and are usually drink fuelled. There was a time I used to mention punch-up's in my reports, I rarely bother now.

Should we stop the sale of alcohol completely, that isn't possible as the Pandora's Box is already open. However the current licensing laws should be more strictly enforced and if that doesn't work they should be made tighter.

Large number of those coming to the racecourses to drink could not give a toss about the racing, York, Haydock and Chester are the best, but not the only, examples of this trend.

I really like the system they have at Woodbine racecourse where alcohol could only be consumed in limited, strictly controlled areas and no individual would be served with more than two drinks, which controlled the purchasing of rounds.

Contrast with racecourses here where alcohol vendors walk round the enclosures with kegs on their backs, alcohol can be purchased at some courses in two pint glasses or four pint pitchers.

Some of those mobile drinks vendors can be as annoying and in your face as the charity chuggers. I actually complained at one course after I had been stopped at least half a dozen times and asked if I wanted to buy alcohol.

Yes a big part of the courses income would disappear if they lost their drinks licence but having a drinks licence comes with responsibility.

If any business, be it a racecourse, high street pub, supermarket or club is not prepared to accept and enforce that responsibility then why should they continue to profit from having a licence?

I know of many people who will no longer go racing at weekends because of the alcohol consumption. It doesn't have to be a mass brawl to put people off it's the pervading atmosphere as well.

Hopefully Thames Valley Police and the local licensing authority will take strong action against Newbury and suspend their alcohol licence. Until some drastic action is taken, racecourses will not take their responsibilities seriously. It would hit Newbury hard but it would also send out a strong signal to other venues.

A footnote to last weeks blog about the trainers protest at Worcester, where I hoped the BHA would take action against the trainers involved.

Well the BHA’s reaction was to write them a letter to tell them they were naughty boys and girls and if they misbehave again they will be punished – yeah, sure!!

Once again the BHA demonstrates it is lacking in both balls and teeth.  

Cynicism, Offshore Bookmakers and Grand National

As I write this on the morning of Friday 17^th January I have to admit to having a bad taste in my mouth and I haven’t even had breakfast yet.

Today should have been a major fund raising day for armed services charities at Sandown Park, however the attempt to raise much needed funds has been seriously undermined by the decision to re-stage last Saturday's Newbury fixture today and Newbury offering free admission.

It seems Newbury and their sponsors Betfair are more interested in marketing gimmicks and making a quick buck than they are on the negative impact they will have elsewhere. Publicly officials at Sandown have maintained a dignified silence but I have hear they are absolutely fuming privately and who can blame them.

There are some who will say the restaging of the Newbury card is a great achievement and in a way it is but it is a pity it has been staged without fully thinking through the consequences.

Why couldn't the Newbury card have been staged on Sunday where it would not have had such a detrimental effect elsewhere?

I would like to think Newbury and Betfair would make a significant contributions to the charities who are going to lose out as a result of their cynical marketing ploy but somehow cannot see it happening.

The recent cold snap has again illustrated how much dependence there is on the so called “all weather” racing, now I make no secret I am no fan of that branch of the sport, however I accept some people do enjoy it and it does serve to help maintain the Levy.

Although why something as discredited as the Levy should be supported is beyond me – it is no longer fit for purpose and anything that actively undermines it should be encouraged.

Anyway I digress as I return to one of my hobby horses, the term “all weather” racing – it isn’t all weather. The meeting at Wolverhampton was abandoned because of snow,not the first time snow has claimed such a meeting. It has been called off because of fog – IT IS NOT ALL WEATHER RACING.

For goodness sake rename it artificial surface racing and do away with this misleading misnomer once and for all.

Newmarket MP Matthew Hancock recently introduced a private members bill to change how money for the discredited Levy is raised. With 18 of the top 20 bookmakers now located offshore he wants the Levy to be paid on a “point of consumption” basis.

Such a proposal is naïve and would not work. With the increasing amount of betting now being executed online it would be incredibly easy to circumvent such a rule. Indeed I would see it as a great business opportunity as I would quite happily market software that could be used to circumvent such a ruling.

Instead of wasting important Parliamentary time introducing this bill the time should be spent abolishing the Levy and making racing negotiate a fair business arrangement without Government intervention.

Another interesting point is the 18 / 20 bookmakers who have moved offshore. If I were a shareholder in either of the duo who have not moved offshore I would be demanding to know why they have not done so. It is the duty of an organisation to maximise profit and shareholder return and, in the case of bookmakers, this is best done by relocating offshore.

 

From one anachronism, The Levy, to another the Grand National.

On Tuesday we had the unveiling of the Grand National weights, yes the Grand National is the only handicap where the official ratings are ignored and handicapper Phil Smith is given free rein to allocate whatever weight he sees fit, why?

Is he saying the official handicap rating is wrong? If not then why should different weights be allocated for this particular race if not to, for want of a better expression, manipulate the result.

Does it not further undermine the race?

What was once National Hunt racings greatest race has now, frankly, become a liability and it does the sport more harm than good.

It is run over a freakish distance, over freakish fences, more often than not winning horses are never the same afterwards - yes there are exceptions but they are just that, exceptions.

The race is, for good or bad, the sports show-piece event but it is becoming a liability and the damage it does to the perception of the sport far outweighs any benefits it brings.

How many renewals have not seen a fatality or serious injury to a horse - yet we offer this race as our showcase event?

I used to adore the Grand National - now I hate it and for me last years contest was enough.

I would happily scrap the National, tinker with Cheltenham so the Gold Cup is run on a Saturday and use all the marketing resources of racing to make that race the one that is in the forefront of the public's perception of National Hunt racing - how many unexciting Gold Cups have we had in recent years? How many controversial Gold Cups have we had?

There surely cannot be many people who would argue the Grand National is a better advert for National Hunt racing than the Gold Cup.