The Corner with Garry Chittick

Sometimes you wonder, other times you realise what’s the point. We have two new Board members to help guide Thoroughbred Racing to a brighter, more enlightened future. Now, I don’t know either, and I am sure they have been confirmed for the right reasons – I think my concern is where is it our leaders believe they are taking us.

I really think it is time for a business plan we participants can scrutinise. The messages the industry receives currently are of little substance. Racing is not a complicated business: Entain’s involvement takes control of wagering and 80% of the marketing. Our clubs’ underappreciated efforts ensure a show is put on. Our integrity is governed by an independent board (at great cost). Our assets, whilst subject to the Racing Act, are carefully cherished by the regions. Births, Deaths and Matings should be easily managed with modern technology. I am not sure who to hold accountable for our current racing surfaces, but could argue that the introduction of those unaccustomed to respective regions has not enhanced our reputation. I had it put to me that Health and Safety is now a significant challenge, like we ignored it in the past.

Perhaps it is the managing of the potential largesse of yet-to-be-determined property sales that demands a specific talent. Well, I will lay odds that if progress is made, there will be additional independent expertise seconded.

So, do the two of you agree – let’s see a business plan that gives those of us with real skin in the game a reason to continue to invest in the future. 

Cheers,
G