What is the fear of Horse Racing?
No matter what way you look at it, Horse Racing is a sport that largely gets forgotten about in Ireland. The last couple of years I have become further and further engrossed into the fine sport that captivates the minds of so many horse lovers. Yet, the majority of the time that I mention that I track Horse Racing closely, it's met with a series of quizzical looks by the receiver. My question is though, what is the fear of Horse Racing? Why is it a sport that seems to require either a massive event or a guaranteed portion of alcohol to convince the younger generation of Ireland to go to the races. Is it expense, complication or something else?
One of the things that I always think is a turn off for the people who decide against the option of Horse Racing is the complicated nature of it. This is something that I do agree with as it can be a slightly unnecessary barrier to the normal audience. Unfortunately, over the years the game has developed a reputation for the complicated language associated with it, this is a type of language that only can be learned through time and necessary research. As much as I would love for everyone to know the game inside and out, that is simply not feasible and therefore the game needs to find a way to appeal to the more infrequent attendee. A slightly more modified version of the language us regular Horse Racing folk have become accustomed with needs to be implemented if it to attract a larger audience.
Another potential solution I have for attracting a different audience to the races is increasing the amount of races per card. At the moment there is usually 6/7/8 races on a certain card everyday and although I find the gap between the races of thirty minutes to be a nice relaxation, I concede how some could find that too long and therefore on the boring side. In my opinion, there is few things in sport that compete with the atmosphere of the last few furlongs of a race, all the talking, betting and reputation's stop and the atmosphere takes over. An orchestra of cheers, groans and more than the odd profanity heard, it's a serious spectacle for anyone who attends the races. You would have to have a pretty cold heart to not be blown over by that atmosphere but why shouldn't the game capitalise on that and have more races for us to cheer on? Let's stop waiting for races, let's see some races!
Also another stumbling block for the casual fan is the sheer expense. Alongside what can be a usually steep entry fee, you have to bring funds if gambling, drinking or eating is your scene at the races. I understand that everyone who bets wants to win and the enjoyment of backing a winner is a feeling that goes unrivalled in my best emotions regarding sport. However, betting on winners is a tough, skilled and most of the time luck based activity. A lot of people hear stories of wins online or through word of mouth and then assume they can do similar. The harsh reality is that for all the good days you might have, there will also be a fair share of bad ones, trust me. I understand that the game can be quite expensive then but to counter that, they're not giving away tickets at the Aviva for nothing either? It's a state of mind that makes people think Racing is expensive, not the actual price.
To conclude I think that people need to realise what Horse Racing has to offer. It falls in no way short to a rugby, football or GAA match for atmosphere before, during and after the event. I will admit there are many things that the Horse Racing authorities can do to clear up the cloud that slightly mists the game but such things could come with time. Whether you're a fan or not, Horse Racing should never be a forgotten sport, it's too exciting and emotional to forget. If you haven't ever gone to a race meeting, I urge you to give it a chance, you won't regret the decision.