I attended the night racing at Greyville last Friday to watch one of my horses run, writes SP reader ‘A Ballie’ of Durban.
I was sitting at the bar/restaurant upstairs adjacent to the Parade ring. This is a very cosy place with a great view of horses parading in the ring, nicely decorated, friendly staff and good food.
However, the place was empty.
Being passionate about the game and trying to find a solution to bringing the crowds back to the course I pondered as to what is causing this lack of attendance. Granted it was drizzling that evening (and it is well documented that the locals are fair weather people at the best of times).
I decided to look around me. There were couples of elderly people sitting in front of the plasma screen having a cup of tea, a glass of wine, discussing the races and horses in general.
Below in front of me was a married couple with their daughter. The young lady, who must have been seventeen or so, looked extremely bored typing away on her smart phone.
We will never see her attending a race meeting by choice, I thought.
Behind me sitting at the bar was a man in his late thirties wearing his work clothes, having a quick beer and a plate from the buffet. He was only there for twenty minutes and left.
I asked the waiter what was going on and where were the people?
“I’m not sure “ he replied. “People just don’t attend races anymore”.
Interestingly, however, he mentioned that in the previous week there was an Indian Festival taking place at Greyville and the venue was bursting at the seams. Definitely can’t be the venue then, I concluded.
I was starting to get it.
Being a middle aged man (a Ballie) myself, the elderly people around the plasma screen were ancient. They were having a nice time but did nothing to contribute to the atmosphere or the vibe of the place. Would they complain if too many young people came into the establishment, I wondered?
As far as the young lady was concerned, there was nothing to do and no point of interest for her.
Being surrounded by all of us older folk was no fun at all. Can’t say I blame her!
They guy in the overalls? Don’t know how he fits in. Enough said.
Once again, I have come to the same conclusion as I did in one of my previous letters to this paper.
In order to attract people to the racecourse we need to offer some diverse entertainment for everyone on a consistent basis and not only on the big race days. Once the people come to the venue, they will spend money and perhaps even have a little flutter on a race or two.
Incidentally, just before I attended the race meeting I went for a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants right outside Greyville. We were lucky to get a table!
Just goes to show that people are out there spending their hard-earned cash but unfortunately for us, not at the races.
Why should they? There is nothing there for them.
I strongly believe that if these venues were converted into an entertainment complex the way casinos have done over the past 30 years so, the crowds will return and increase revenues.
How many times have gone to Montecasino for a meal and spent “a few Bob” at the tables afterwards?
Donald Trump once said, “Build it and they will come”. Good advice perhaps?
I am now looking forward to the Summer Cup, my favourite race day of the year.
(Name and address of writer withheld)
