Racing experience

The question always get asked why the racetracks are empty on racedays.
Answer. Because it is better to sit in a bookies room and watch the races.
If you go to Turfies you can anyway see nothing of the race.
Sitting in the pavilions with a Binocular is also useless.
After every 100 metre you are anyway gonna be blocked by a contruction pole to keep the roof up.
Conclusion you sit indoor watching the race on TV.
At least i can sit at my bookie have a smoke speak to the regulars and also watch on TV.
Remember Newmarket racing that big TV screen was a enjoyment. You watch the first part of the race on the big screen the last 400 meters you would turn and watch it live as it happens. The wips cracking the echo of happy punters and owners, the sound of the horses hoofs coming down on mother earth.
Why are the tracks empty please go find out.

Technology has taken away the glamour of live horse racing. Thank u Telltrack. I used to enjoy the days when we put the radio on to hear the commentary, race by race. But .........live is live.

I wouldn't say technology took over racing. What i would say is the lack of using technology took over racing.

too many casino's around

The casinos are a different ballgame all together.
The machines doesn't run haven't got a smell.
Nobody on top of it riding it all the way.
The machine doesn't get paraded it is only you and that stupid piggy bank.
The casino's got nothing to do with the racing attendance.

This has been a major topic for the last few years and not a simple answer, but its well documented on the Forum.

However, going to the track live, can still be a magic experience, you can see the horses live, in the parade ring and the canter past or on the track feed, in addition you can watch tellytrack, good food at the big T at a good price, have a great view of the live race, TV on your table Plasma, tote 10 yards away, waitresses, etc, plus all the info and chat from other racing people.

So going to the races live can still be a good crack, I only want them to put the International Racing channel back.

scotia

For starters :

Not marketed in the face of competition.
Best tracks sold, people averse to mine dumps.
Phumelela prefer it this way, less expense.
No complimentary entertainment at races to attract mother, father, youngsters, yuppies etc
No shuttles for pensioners, under-priviledged, no effort to attract companies for race days.
No racing education from school level.
No effort to expand advertising and marketing beyond Phumelela media control (too expensive and no competition allowed for Phumelela).
Racing experience, ethos of racing or share price ?
We know where Phumelela's priorities lie.

Then tell me why the Met and The July pull the crowds to their festifall and Turfontein can't do it with the richest races on offer.

Gold Circle remains more pro-active than Phumelela.

i hear graeme hawkins has settled in well and is working like a trojan.

They closed the inside parking.That use to be my favourite spot on the course under that old delapitated tote. I use to be next to the racecourse, could chat to the jocks going down to the start. Get a laugh for the comment this monkey(in a good way) next to me made to the jock about his last ride.
Now adays go to the course sit and watch TV.
Please put sewende laan on at the racecourse i can bring my wife with.

Who is graeme hawkins. What did he do for Jhb racing should he be remembered for what.