What can racecourses do to woo back crowds? A lot more than they are now . . .

It’s scarcely believable it’s nearly two years since the first lockdown was announced in Britain. Two more followed and, as a result of such measures to contain the coronavirus pandemic, lifestyles have changed.

More people are now working from home, and leisure time is spent differently. For example, I used to go to the cinema regularly but I haven’t been for over two years, preferring instead to take a walk in the country, an activity started as a result of the lockdowns.

It’s a worry some people appear to have got out of the habit of attending racecourses. Average attendances are at their lowest this century, and there has not been the pent-up demand for the racecourse experience many were hoping for once restrictions were lifted.