Confusion affecting potential converts as core audience wilts

How can racing broaden its appeal? It’s a complex question that is being addressed in this newspaper throughout the week. And within the myriad views expressed on the subject, what we have learned to date is that there is no easy answer.

Nevertheless, we are now seeing a welcome consensus over important issues on which there was a divergence that compromised the opportunity to progress. For instance, it is long overdue to see a clear distinction drawn between those who go racing and those who enjoy racing. Racing’s big summer festivals have certainly broadened their appeal but the appeal does not emanate from the racing itself.

It is therefore folly to trumpet the overall rise in racecourse attendances over the past few years as a measure of racing’s appeal. Harder evidence suggests genuine lovers of the sport are in decline. They are withering away without being replaced by younger devotees, which is extremely worrying for the future.