BREEDING FORUM

Posted: **Tue Jul 12, 2022 9:06 am**

Did anyone spot the crowd at Newmarket last week, I understand that on Saturday the crowd was down about 14% on pre covid levels. I think Ascot was down nearly 24% and even York was slightly down. Generally racing has been ignoring the obvious for several years but this really could turn into a serious decline. There was an 18K handicap at Ascot on Saturday that attracted 3 runners. Small fields kill off betting opportunities and with cost of living warnings and rampant inflation racing really needs to reset. The week day crowds at Newmarket were even more desperate. I haven't been to a Friday night meeting this year so I don't know if the live music events are holding up but I know these were major contributors to the tracks income. Its my personal opinion that we need less racing but that message is never going to meet with approval from the stake holders.