sorry for not replying earlier, but I have been away for a few days checking out foals/mares etc
For me the answer is more owners or more prizemoney which is like the chicken and egg question. If you get either, the other will happen.
I firmly believe that in order to entice the youth and younger people of today as owners, you have to sell them a dream - a dream to win BIG. Much like the Golden Slipper and Magic Millions races.
People buy lotto tickets not because they expect to become overnight millionaires, but because there is a chance, albeit remote, to win immediate wealth.
We need to create a dream race/s that new owners can be drawn towards. They are not going to wait for 5 and 6 years to see if that dream is realised by winning an ID or Vic Cup or Hunter Cup
We should be throwing more money to 2 and 3yos. Once these people get hooked, just like I did some 15 years ago, then they will be more likely to race more horses and even breed horses.
I would love to see a $1m race for 2 and 3yos - for me this is the best way of getting new people into our sport.
Dan - I eagerly await your reply in the negative!