'We've all got to work together' - Pontefract MD calls for punter-friendly races

Pontefract managing director Norman Gundill has urged racing to work together to counter the threat to its finances from declining media rights income.

Gundill warned the full effect of the drop in funding, caused by the closure of betting shops in the wake of legislation restricting stakes on fixed odds betting terminals, may not be felt until 2021. And he called for a more betting-friendly racing programme, to boost the sport's attractiveness to punters.

The long-standing face of Pontefract, who has served on the board of the RCA and the then BHB in the past, hopes to be able to maintain prize-money levels at his course next season.

"It seems as though the initial fallout hasn't been quite as bad as predicted," he reflected on the current impact of shop closures.

"I understand that there has been some migration towards betting on racing and the industry as a whole has got to do their part to make sure we're providing a product that people want to bet on.

"I've always said arguing, falling out and throwing brickbats at each other is a complete waste of time. We've all got to work together."

Gundill reviews all races that do not attract eight runners, allowing three places for each-way betting.

"You get races like the Spindrifter Stakes here that will never attract a large number of runners, but they will produce good horses and people appreciate good horses here," he said.

"So we don't look to eliminate them all, but I'm not sure whether there are too many developmental races and whether handicaps in certain places might be better.

"There's been a rule for years about the number of maiden races we have to put on and that is cast in tablets of stone, but you have got to adjust things to suit the horse population, what trainers are doing and what's available.

"It's no good trying to force square pegs into round holes; if the horses aren't there you're not going to fill the races. The programme has got to be a balance, you can't just put on a programme of eight handicaps either, it's getting the right mix."

Pontefract has yet to finalise prize-money levels for 2020, as the course waits for definitive news on income.

But Gundill said: "We've done a budget and we're going to do our very best to keep prize-money up. We reduced it this year and if it does go down next year it will be minimal.

"Next year is not going to be good but it looks from what our media-rights handlers are saying that the real crunch is going to come the year after in terms of the money available to invest in prize-money."

However, Pontefract has earmarked the funds to allow a possible upgrade for the Listed Flying Fillies' Stakes over 6f in August, making it the first Group 3 race to be run at the course.

Watch Perfection win the Flying Fillies' Stakes at Pontefract in August

"We know the BHA are interested in upgrading it," Gundill said. "A couple of our other Listed races would be eligible for upgrade, but don't really fit the Pattern whereas the Flying Fillies does – there aren't any Group 3 races of that kind at that time.

"It was a good race this year and we ran it at the Group 3 minimum value of £60,000, so the money is there.

"It would be very special if it was upgraded and a just reward for the improvements we've made, the racing programme we've put on and the money we've put into prize-money."

Gundill hopes to improve facilities in the course's picnic enclosure at the end of a season when attendances held up well.

"The crowds have been ahead of last year," he said. "But we clashed with an England World Cup football match in 2018 and the weather was generally poor on our racedays last year, so it's a difficult comparison."

Meanwhile, Ludlow is attempting to boost its income from weddings amid fears over its finances and has been granted planning permission to build a marquee overlooking the home straight.

Lisa Randall, of G Herbert Banks, which acted for the course in seeking planning permission, said: “In order to balance the books, racecourses need to diversify on non-racedays, using their existing facilities and increasing their offering to cater for other events and opportunities.

“Ludlow has retained its heritage and charm by not being over-commercialised and this is an element that the applicants wish to retain.

"It’s a permanent marquee to replace the larger, temporary marquee that has been on site for over 20 years. It hosted five weddings in 2018-19 and the intention is to expand that market to 15-20 weddings in 2020.

“Having a permanent marquee on site will increase the revenue to the business, provide more employment opportunities and grow Ludlow as an event destination.”

More to read:

Newbury to review prize-money investment in face of betting shop closures

Chelmsford calls for more support from horsemen following prize-money cuts

York joins chorus from courses about prize-money concerns

For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster every afternoon. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app