Crowds at the Race Track

[Beaussie]

Whatever did happen to the massive crowds that use to attend the races week in week out?

Was it the introduction of the TAB, pub TAB, club TAB and internet bookmakers etc that killed off support at the track?

Anyone got any ideas as to what happened to the old days when big crowds were assured every Saturday at the races and not just major races like the Melbourne Cup or Golden Slipper. Any punters with some theories out there?

[crocodileman]

A combination of factors all mixed together has meant race crowds have declined forever.

in no particular order they are:-

1. Introduction of the TAB in the 1960's. This meant punters had an avenue of legal gambling without going to the track.

2. Police/Government crackdown on SP Bookmakers - predominantly in the 1960's as well.

3. Reduction in the number of gambling whales (Huge punters!) meant personalities were taken away from the track. In the 1960's, you had Duval, Perc Galea, Eddie (The Fireman) Birchley, The Malaysian Tiger and many more. These people were characters, and once they lost their fortunes, they were not replaced by a new breed (Packer excepted). The average mug punter lost interest in the social side of the day.

4. Increase in Horse Race meetings in which to bet. In the 1950's and 60's - you had a Wednesday meeting and a Saturday Meeting - now look at the paper - you can bet on the nags every day of the week and dozens of meetings a day and night.

5. Introduction of other gambling opportunites - poker machines being the big one. Australia has about 1% of the world's population, yet we account for over 25% of the worlds pokies. A frightening statistic. Also Casinos, scratchies, sports betting and on-line gambling have all played their part over 30 years.

6. Maladministration by Racing Officials who have 1950's marketing strategies in the new millennium. This includes poor maintenance of facilities.

7. Decline in Bookies.

8. Advent of Sky Channel and broadcasting of races into homes, pubs and clubs. All great, but makes a trip to the track less necessary.

You're right Beaussie. The twice a year record crowds does not make up for the decline in attendance on a weekly basis.

In 20 years, I believe the only 'patrons' at tracks on race days will be handlers, trainers, jockeys and officials - we'll all be watching and betting on-line!

[Beaussie]

Night racing was one idea that was supposed to bring in a new crowd. Whilst it started off well (talking Canterbury here) with big crowds, the interest has since declined.

I imagine it would create problems for harness racing and the greyhounds too.

[MG]

i went to the Cox plate a few years back at moonee valley. had a great day. r u sure crowds have gone down.

[Beaussie]

i went to the Cox plate a few years back at moonee valley. had a great day. r u sure crowds have gone down.

The Cox Plate is another major event race MG. When I was referring to crowds being down, I was talking about your average Saturday meet. Actually further to that your average Monday-Sunday meet that is not considered a major race.