Racing needs to be creative to combat falling attendances, says senior figure

Racecourses need to get creative to attract racegoers back to the cheaper enclosures following an alarming decline in summer attendances, a senior figure in the sport has warned.

Goodwood reported fewer racegoers than normal in the silver ring at last week's festival and that trend has had a negative impact on Chester this season. Attendances at British racecourses in June were down 19.7 per cent compared to the pre-pandemic levels of 2019.

Many tracks have seen high demand for hospitality and premier enclosures, but this has coincided with a big drop off in the cheaper enclosures, with a reduced number of walk-ups.