Kids, Kids, Kids. Think of the children.

Today is one of racing’s showcase days. This Bank Holiday Monday there are 10 meetings in Britain and Ireland and many more Point-to-Points. 

From my experience, there is a higher proportion of children at Point-to-Points than at proper racecourses. Obvious reasons include easier picnics, more relaxed and less hostile environments. I’ve never quite understood how ‘proper racing’ has failed to have a stall at every Point-to-Point explaining the sport to children there. The key thing about these children is that most are already in love with horses, are comfortable with welfare issues, but have never yet heard of Richard Johnson or listened to a Simon Holt commentary on Channel 4. They could tell you who is winning at Badminton this week though. Flog offers and cheaper tickets to racecourses too while you’re at it too and attract families who’ve only experienced a Tote in a tent or a toilet in a ditch at the races. 

Lastly, why the hell is there no racing on Good Friday? And why are there as many top races on a Thursday as a Sunday (Peterbrough Chase, Haldon Gold Cup, Craven I’m looking at you)? The people who attend/watch these meeting are unemployed, work in the industry or have taken a day off work. Kids can’t take the day off school. Take a lead from the Irish, who are good at this: Put these meetings on a Sunday, double attendances and get families along.