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Morning racing at Kempton

Short article in today's Racing Post about Kempton and Channel 4 discussing Saturday morning racing, as early as 8.40am to coincide with the Morning Line programme.

What do you think? I can't see the harm in trying. Obviously it won't be for everyone and I doubt you'll see any Group races, but that's much as the same as Wednesday night on the polytrack anyway. Betting shops are open, a lot of folks are up and about at that hour and it might even be easier in traffic around that area. And industry people are up ridiculously early anyway.

It might crash and burn, it might prove a master stroke - either way I think it's worth a go especially if there is terrestrial TV coverage behind it. Being able to spend the night before looking at a proper formguide (as is the norm back in Australia) is a huge plus from me.

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Comments

  1. leonthefixer25 September 2009 at 16:49

    I have to totally disagree with you about this being a good idea.

    Firstly racing is in the afternoon for a good reason, because those in the industry in terms of the training of horses are at 'work' in the morning. Between 8am and 9am most yards will be out with second lot on the gallops. They will still be working horses that didnt go out in first lot and therefore it is essential that the trainers are at home. Hence why they rarely get Trainers on the Morning Line. Further more most jockeys have to go to the trainers yards to ride work. They can't be in 2 places at once. Thirdly and most importantly the stable staff already work crazy hours for little reward. Think of the logistics in being at the races before 8am. They would have to start off in the middle of the night and more likely the night before and stay over in Kempton. That means more costs for owners as the race day expenses are far more having to pay for at least 2 stable staff to be away from home at night.

    Then there is the fact that they tried a lunch time fixture before and that was a complete flop. A lot of people will have been out on Friday night and won't be up early on Saturday. Furthermore Saturday mornign tends to be the day that families go out for things such as shopping etc.

    I just cant see this working for so many reasons. I hope they don't waste money trying it out!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Scott26 September 2009 at 05:21

    All those were reasons why we shouldn't race on Sunday or in the evening. Not everyone is the same - punters, trainers etc. Variety and trying different things is good for society - otherwise we'd still be stuck in the dark ages. You're not going to see Howard Johnson come down from Newcastle to race... but there are plenty of trainers close enough to be able to do it. After all, quite a few tracks have Breakfast with the Stars gallops and people turn up them...

    Nobody turns up to night meetings as it is, so this is hardly going to break the bank. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous29 September 2009 at 11:57

    Congrats on your new baby!

    ReplyDelete

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