Warm beer from a can and long queues at the loos won't woo back racegoers

The biggest worry about Britain's depressing racecourse attendance figures is, if they are that bad at a time when people should be falling over themselves to get back out to play then how much further will they drop if customers have a poor experience when they do venture back on course?

As a spectator on Ladbrokes Trophy day I'm not surprised Newbury's figures buck the downward trend. Good marketing seemed to have drawn in a younger crowd – sharply turned out twentysomethings as equally immersed in the racing as in refuelling, which was easily done at plentiful food and drink outlets, permanent and portable.

They were pouring into the paddock-side arena for a post-racing band and DJ set as darkness fell and those of us of a certain age headed home to bed and cocoa (well, the last race was at 3.30). I'll be surprised if they don't come back for more and bring their friends too.