Horse racing is an ancient sport, and due to the ever-changing nature and demands of society, has been forced to evolve, in the way that all things have. Once familiar with the sport of kings, one does not often surrender to it's infectious luminosity, meaning it is a way of life often transferred through generations. However, to ensure it's secured success, racing requires more than family folklore to progress, which is something that is often underestimated. The body of racing has bonded to the older generation, and should things refuse to change, the sport could begin to submit to extinction under it's more archaic authors.
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| Faces such as Sir Peter O'Sullevan, Alastair Down and Clare Balding bring timeless knowledge and charm to our sport. |
In my opinion, in order to at least begin to address this issue, more emphasis needs to be placed upon encouraging (specifically young) people to the races. Without fresh perspectives, opinions and figureheads, racing will continue to settle in the back of sporting interest.
The British Champion Series currently head a campaign whereby 'Race Makers'- racing fans of all ages, are sourced to help integrate the wider public into our sport. This refreshingly simple and honest initiative has been a huge success thus far and will only continue to grow as its longevity advances. For more information, click here: http://www.britishchampionsseries.com/share-your-passion/racemakers.html
I believe as a fan of the sport, my role is currently a somewhat selfish one. I know I for one have felt embarrassed about my passion for the sport I have been following for around 5 years. As a girl of 16, being interested in the likes of Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh is almost laughed at, let alone the prospect of pedigree analysis and tipping winners. The fact that horse racing is thought of to have a predominantly older male audience is ultimately quite sad. Stereotypes restrict too many things in this day and age and I now refuse to accept that the interest myself and others possess has the potential to be extinguished by something as trivial as age or gender.
It would be far from realistic to label such issues as conscious, yet more can be done to broaden the image of the sport. The public are spoon-fed minimalistic amounts of positive racing news by the media, the industry is painted as a secretive, inaccessible and uninviting sphere of questionable entertainment. The one time that horse racing immerses itself in attention is the commercial and controversial Grand National meeting in April. Judgements are made in an instant, and should we as spectators be armed with more relatable ammunition for those who are less informed, such judgements could begin to alter. The acts of the RSPCA, (in conjunction with the race) have reaped only positive outcomes, yet overall the entire world in which racing revolves requires readdressing. It is almost humorous that racing is so black and white. Opportunities need to be explored in new directions to christen the sport for everyone and anyone, as currently, this is not reflected.
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| Pineau De Re wins the 2014 Grand National. In the last 2 renewals there has been no equine fatalities. |
The BHA (British Horse Racing Authority) have the power at their disposal to initiate more pathways or foundations for younger people in racing. From where I stand, it appears this power is misspent.
I sit in a very privileged position. I report my opinions from the outskirts of the industry, as a young race goer who is lucky enough to have been given the opportunity to have work published for Channel 4. Realistically, such chances aren't going to be gifted to everyone, but that is no less of a reason for us not to try.
