Racing Stakeholders Have Their Say

Over 3,800 people representing racing’s main constituents – punters, racegoers, owners and trainers, breeders, stable staff, racecourse employees and industry professionals – have participated in an industry wide survey on the future of British Racing.

The research initiative, known as Racing 2015, is a new and ongoing research programme being undertaken by Racing for Change in order to seek the views of stakeholders on important issues relating to the future of the sport.

This new research will be used to build on the extensive consultation that was carried out over the last two years.

The majority of participants are core racing customers or work in the industry with close to 90 per cent stating that the sport is an important or very important part of their life, with a good spread between jump and flat followers.

The first of several surveys this year  asked for views on British Horseracing at present, and the opportunities for the future.

Rod Street, CEO of Racing for Change, said: ‘This is only the first of a series of surveys, so was general in nature and designed to capture some basic data. None the less, it was insightful and will help us in our strategic planning. To generate 3,800 responses from our internal audience was also very encouraging’.

‘A significant point to make is that this panel gives us a superb opportunity to research specific subjects in detail. First on our list is a more detailed study of betting behaviour , which is relevant in the current challenging environment regarding racing’s funding’.

‘We are of, course, undertaking detailed research of non-racing consumers to provide the balance required to help us to retain our existing customers whilst attracting new ones’.