The Arctic conditions that are currently gripping both Britain and Ireland do not bode well for the prospects of seeing racing on turf on a regular basis for some time to come. With overnight weekend temperatures dropping to as low as -15 degrees in parts of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, both the horse racing tips and betting industries will be hoping that we are over the worst and that things will improve quickly, writes Elliot Slater.
If the forecasters are correct however, there could be precious little racing on turf over the next two weeks, whilst all-weather racing is no certainty to go ahead with temperatures dropping abnormally low and trainers and jockeys experiencing hazardous travel conditions trying to reach racetracks up and down the country.
There is sure to be a dip in revenues for the betting industry on British and Irish horse racing as a result of the weather and betting office customers are likely to be bombarded with virtual racing, greyhound racing and numbers games as firms bid to try to keep the tills ringing, but it’s hardly the most appealing fayre. Coupled with the generally difficult economic trading conditions, a prolonged spell of cold weather could have a serious impact on the finances of the racing industry, coming right on the heels of a recent announcement that prize money funds have been slashed for 2011 with some tracks likely to return to prize levels last seen in the mid-1980’s!
For trainers, jockeys and stable staff, the freezing weather brings with it many challenges in trying to keep horses fit and healthy when the only real exercise options are available in indoor schooling or walking in snowy conditions. Long term race target plans can be thrown out of the window, and all a trainer can do is try his or her best to keep horses happy and warm, hoping that conditions ease and they can get back to business as usual.
Judging by the forecast though, business as usual could be some way away.
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