Since I imagine that many of my social media followers don’t subscribe to The Racing Forum I’ve decided to share with you my latest contribution.
steveh31 shared an interesting article in the Doncaster Free Press which prompted me to reply as follows:
“I was there last weekend in the Premier Enclosure and I just don’t think it was an issue. There were lots of “dodgy geezers”, “suitably dressed”, and I kept my hand in my pocket holding my money, as one does at many such occasions when there is a crowd. We even had a competition between ourselves about the most embarrassing suit! Many of them didn’t even watch the races. I am a National Hunt fan and generally get much more satisfaction from visiting “small” racecourses where you find genuine racing fans and no issue about why they’re wearing.
“It’s notable that Ascot have a separate NH dress code without the restrictions that Newbury are applying. Cheltenham is suitably relaxed about its dress code with, let’s face it, much better racing.
“Newbury needs to have a reality check (if those in charge know what that means!). If the reports of people being rudely decamped to the grandstand are true then those responsible should be sacked!
“Any business that thinks it’s a good idea to call itself “The Racecourse Newbury” rather than “Newbury Racecourse” has transparently lost the plot!
“If they carry on in this vein then they should be relieved of their premier graded races. #arses”
I don’t get why racecourses choose to make visiting them difficult. Racing is great and I personally prefer National Hunt racing because it has a (to use PR speak) a great narrative. Those in charge of Newbury need a serious “reality check”.
Coincidentally I’m delighted to see that those responsible for Twenty Twelve are going to produce “W1A”, focused on the BBC. I suspect that the Siobhan Sharp equivalent at “The Racecourse Newbury” will be consulted about their plans:
I was typing this while hearing about the death of Nelson Mandela. #putseverythingincontext
Leave a Reply