'There is a new champion to be cheered to the Fuji View stand’s distant rafters'

What do you want in a racecourse? It’s a question the sport’s marketeers frequently ask themselves and then – because that’s what they are paid to do – ask others.

Should it be a huge temple to the sport, capable of hosting enormous crowds for the very biggest racedays? Or should it retain an intimacy that puts its viewing public close up to the equine and human athletes?

Most venues are forced towards one of these two models, either through cost restrictions, their historic role in the racing calendar or the grand ambition of the owners.