Mixed signals as Nottingham bookmakers differ over lunchtime trials experiment

Online bookmakers are keen for racing’s lunchtime trial to be extended with the final of three midday starts taking place at Nottingham on Wednesday, although it is not a view universally shared by on-course layers.

The trial, supported by the Horserace Levy Board, was designed to maximise revenue that can be created during the lunchtime period and Paddy Power reported a 10-15 per cent increase in turnover for the first two races at the East Midlands venue – at 12.00 and 12.30 – over those with the more traditional start time of 1.50 and 2.25 at Newton Abbot.

However on-course bookmaker Ricky Shepherd reported turnover was down by around 50 per cent and feels the earlier start time does not suit punters at the track, where there was a crowd of 1,200 racegoers, including subscribers enjoying a Racing TV members’ day, down around 100 compared to a regular afternoon meeting.

Ricky Shepherd, who runs Ricky Racing and has been trading at Nottingham for ten years, said: “Business has been down around 50 per cent and maybe racecourses need to be more proactive in getting people in for an early start.

“Gamblers are creatures of habit and used to a 2pm start rather than midday and I wouldn’t welcome the trial being extended.”

What they say

PJ McDonald, jockey
It makes it a pretty long day if you’re riding at two meetings but if the rides are there we’ll go wherever. If it’s good for the industry it’s good for jockeys and we’ll do whatever we can to boost the sport.

Ralph Beckett, trainer
I’m not a fan from a purely personal point of view. It’s difficult to train our horses and be at the races and I’ve missed two lots at home this morning as a consequence of the earlier start. It makes it difficult logistically.

James Tate, trainer
It will be nice to be back for evening stables after our runner in the opener although it does make it tricky to see the third and fourth lot. However I infinitely prefer to be involved in a lunchtime race rather than the last race at Kempton this evening like we are!

Edward Crisford, assistant to trainer Simon Crisford
I think it’s fine and it’s nice to get home earlier, while it also makes it easier for jockeys and trainers to travel to the evening meetings. We missed a couple of lots back home but the earlier start has its positives.

Nicky Rigby, travelling head lass for Eve Johnson Houghton
The early race time didn’t worry me. We left the yard at 7am, which is not a huge difference compared to some afternoon meetings, and I would definitely prefer it to having a late runner at evening meetings.

Terry Daniels, racegoer
I missed the first race as the noon start was just too early. It's a move that favours online bookmakers but not people who go to the track.

The noon starts had previously taken place at Southwell on May 1 and Newton Abbot on May 29 and Coral feel factors such as field sizes and the shape of the market have influenced turnover across the three meetings.

The firm’s David Stevens said: “The lunchtime trials were something we welcomed, as we're in favour of any initiative that could broaden racing’s appeal to our customers, and as a result increase turnover on the sport.

“Although we've now had the three meetings, there are other factors along with start times to take into account when comparing turnover on individual races, such as field size and the shape of the market, while it also takes time for familiarity to build among punters as to when particular meetings are taking place, so it’s difficult to draw any firm conclusions as to the benefits, or otherwise, of earlier starts after such a limited trial.

“However, we would certainly be keen to extend the trials, and will continue to work with the BHA, racecourses and other relevant parties to maximise racing’s undoubted appeal to punters.”

Tom Marquand: feels the lunchtime start is a positive for jockeysCredit: Edward Whitaker

Jockey Tom Marquand feels it is a positive move and will help when riding at two meetings close to one another.

Marquand, successful aboard the Tony Carroll-trained Rose Hip in the 6f fillies' handicap, said: “On days like today when it’s a long run to Kempton in the evening it doesn’t make an awful lot of difference as you plan accordingly, but when you’re riding at two tracks within an hour of one another it makes a massive difference so it’s a positive move.

“I left Richard’s [Hannon] yard one lot earlier than usual and it gives you less time to sort your weight out in the morning but that’s not a major issue.”

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