Lunchtime Racing Trial

Three existing fixtures are set to begin at 12 noon in the coming weeks in a bid to assess the appeal to both betting shop and online customers for lunchtime British racing.

Nottingham is one of three racecourses to be selected to trial lunchtime racing

The initiative, supported by the Horserace Betting Levy Board, is designed to capitalise on increased footfall in betting shops during lunchtimes, while also providing betting opportunities for digital customers at a time when more of them may have the opportunity to place bets and watch racing.

The idea behind the trial is to try and maximise the revenue which can be generated from betting during the lunchtime period, with three different courses taking part. The three fixtures, which are already scheduled to take place in Wednesday afternoon slots, are at Southwell on 1 May, Newton Abbot on 29 May and Nottingham on 5 June.

The first race for all three fixtures will now be scheduled for 12 noon and with 30 minute gaps between each race, there will be four races scheduled to take place at each fixture before 2pm.

Andy Clifton, Racing Director at the Racecourse Association, said: “Given the way in which our industry is funded, putting racing on at times when customers have an appetite to bet on it is and always has been important, but that also needs to be balanced with the pressures on horsemen, the desire of racing fans to attend in person and our ability to promote the sport to both existing and potential new audiences.

“On that basis, we are grateful to Southwell, Newton Abbot and Nottingham for taking part in this latest trial of lunchtime racing, on which the betting data and the feedback from horsemen, racecourses and customers will be extremely informative.”

Dale Gibson, Executive Director (Racing) at the Professional Jockeys Association, added: “We spoke to a number of our members regarding this initiative and there was support for this small trial.  Whilst servicing these significantly earlier starts places additional pressures on jockeys, trainers and racing staff, the betting data will provide evidence of interest.”