Has racing become an anachronism, followed mainly by the purists and punters, both of whom play a vital role? The need to have more winners, whether as punters or owners, has never before been more crucial.
Basil Nelson writes in the Sporting Post Mailbag that he read an interesting article by Recondite (Cape Racing Editor) written in 1985 after it became apparent that off-course betting was increasing and on-course betting was dwindling.
Prontisimo wins the 1985 Gr1 Richelieu Guineas
“ Once racing offers no more to people than a gamble it is in direct competition with the Casinos which , mercifully, are still fairly far removed. But for how long? Times are changing rapidly , new hands are reaching out for power, and will they, lacking Calvinistic zeal, be prepared to protect racing as it has been protected for more than a century? The only way to revive interest in racing and ensure it’s safety is to restore the balance between Horses and Gambling. This means promoting horses not just as creatures of flesh and blood but as personalities in their own right and marketing the aesthetic pleasure of racing:
The sunshine, the emerald turf, the kaleidoscope of colour, the comfort of restaurants, the company of friends. This set against the excitement of watching horses thunder to the post.”
