A good idea or a flawed concept? For and against the Racing League

The Racing League, the sport's newest competition, gets under way at Newcastle on Thursday, with the six-race card running from 6.25-8.55.

It features 12 squads who will take each other on during a points-based event across the next six weeks, but the concept has been criticised by some for its lack of inclusivity.

But what do we make of the Racing League? Two Racing Post reporters give their take on the competition.

All you need to know about the Racing League – starting at Newcastle tonight

'Open your minds – don't be stuck in the mud'

Whether you like it or not, sport needs to innovate even if it means treading on what some may consider 'hallowed' turf.

The Racing League is the sport's latest attempt at innovation, to change the way it is presented to the masses in the hope of attracting more viewers to a product that still operates in the considerable shadows of more popular alternatives.

A shame though it is that it falls on a day when the eyes of many will be drawn to Goodwood and Galway, it has the perfect promotional partner in Sky who, if reports are to be believed, are ready to shake up their coverage to give a new feel to the Racing League.

More often than not the quality of television experience can make or break a burgeoning sporting brand – let's hope Sky gets the chemistry right.

The prize-money benefits and the owners who are set to benefit have also been well publicised. The best part of £2 million is on offer across six weeks – these are the sorts of numbers that would help stem some of the bleeding of the growing prize-money crisis in Britain.

So naysayers, open your minds and do not be stuck in the mud about this. You may end up pleasantly surprised.
Tom Ward

Newcastle: the host of the first Racing League meeting on Thursday, July 29, live on SkyCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

'Why not get it front and centre?'

To be clear, I don't mind the idea of the Racing League. What disappoints me is trying to launch a brand new concept during the middle of two of the summer's biggest festivals in Britain and Ireland.

At a time when racing, and other sports, are sticking their hands down the back of sofas in search of new sponsors, here is a series carrying nearly £2 million in total prize-money that rewards all those involved, including, most importantly, owners.

So how is this innovative concept launched? It begins on a Thursday evening on the all-weather at Newcastle. That feels like a damp squib.

Racing League tips: race-by-race guide to the first meeting at Newcastle tonight

Reasons have been given as to why this is the case, such as continuity and trying to attract families in the summer holidays but why not get it front and centre on one of the Saturdays when the racing is less than stellar?

Next Saturday is the Shergar Cup, a perfect example of a fixture that is not beloved by all, but has carved its niche in the calendar.

If we want ideas like the Racing League to thrive, give them the best platform to succeed.

Who's going to be pencilling in Thursday, July 28, 2022 as the start of next year's Racing League? I'd like to say many, but the fear is few.
David Baxter

Read more on the Racing League:

Whether you love it or loathe it, the Racing League is ready to roll the dice (Members' Club)

Racing League founders insist 'diverse' participants weren't cherry-picked (Members' Club)

Positive disruption' is the aim as Racing League unveils first team sponsors

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