vvv-amen!Quote:
Originally Posted by amlin
vvv-amen!Quote:
Originally Posted by amlin
I will say it again.....the answer is NOT changing how we race, it is about exposure to a wider audience, get more people involved, as Phil outlined in his earlier post, we are targeting our game to an ever shrinking market of participants, participants are the lifeblood of this game, everthing else follows, it has been the case from day one when trotting went from racing your carthorse to town and back to formalised racing on set circuits, the game has thrived or otherwise on participation levels...turnover, prizemoney,foal numbers,yearling prices, etc,etc will all grow when participation grows.....participant growth will not occur, until exposure levels improve.
cheers,
Dan
Danno, no one is changing the way we race. But as you say we need more exposure. Currently what we are doing is obviously not working. Simple as that! I say lets use that small window of opportunity to show the wider public a smidgen of what harness racing is about, and how exciting it can be. Dog lotto, hot shots, whatever you want to call it, I say give it a go and lets see what happens. It sure as f**k beats sitting on your thumbs reminising bout the good old days while our sport is slowly haemmoraging!Quote:
Originally Posted by Danno
I have been all about exposure Danno - TV advertising is the best option IMO.
Just thinking about TV exposure/advertising. I just realized the things I laugh about on country TV (god our weekend visitors love the ads LOL) should be working to Harness's advantage.
The Western District is pretty much the home of harness so why is it that I get someone come on (during what would be a prime ad slot in Melbourne but we have different ads remember) and tell me that Drung South 27.15 defeated Cuddgyware 1.1 etc AND our news (yes we have local news when you get your Current Affair) will have about 15min of local footy every night but never anything about Harness.
The local gallops trainer like Weir and the local gallops meets will get a brief mention but NEVER harness. I played for one of these football teams once long ago and if you knew the standard of some games it is mind-boggling to think that up here thanks to Win any old stuggling footy team can get as much air time as any AFL team.
Reading the history of the Horsham Trotting Club, they always seemed to have people of influence involved so surely todays harness officials have as much clout as the President of Drung South so why can't we lobby for a bit of coverage.
Leigh,Quote:
Originally Posted by Lucky Camilla"s Lovechild
I'm not saying lets sit our collective thumbs, more saying that our proble lies in the ever shrinking number of participants, be they owners, trainers, breeders,drivers and punters or any combination of the afforementioned.
This silly game we play had it's origins and was developed by its PARTICIPANTS.
The TAB turnover will grow when we have more participants because that is how this game has always been relevant...Little Johnny from up the road has a horse going OK and gets a following, young Mary does the same, etc etc. This is not and never was the sport of kings, it is and always was the horse racing caper of tradesmen, publicans, farmers and "ordinary folk".
In my humble opinion, therein lies a large part of our problem, we have forgotten who we are and who we should be projecting ourselves toward.
Cheers,
Dan
I think we need to get TAB turnover growing first. Prizemoney will increase, and then participants will return. But before we can get TAB turnover growing, we need to address the integrity of the sport. I dont believe anyone in the sport has forgotten who we are and why we got involved in harness racing. We just need people not invovled in harness racing to believe they can invest their hard earned, on or in an honest above board sport. I believe syndicates are a great way of introducing new people to our sport for a modest outlay. I know its not a new idea. But have the HRV or HRNSW ever invested heavily in it before.
Very interesting thread and it is clear that everyone posting is wanting the best for harness racing.
For what it is worth, I think TV advertising and exposure on news or other TV programs is a great way to reignite the memories of attending the trots in the glory days. Many of my colleagues who see random pictures I have of my horses will comment "oh, I remember going to Gloucester park as a kid, I absolutely loved it" and I think TV 'reminders' of this is a great way to reinitiate their interest and the big events (take inters night at Gloucester Park a few years ago) demonstrate that this still works and that the trots resonates with the community. The tricky part is getting people interested in the industry for more than just one night a year and, in my view, a good way to do this is through an ownership interest. The problem is, most people (including me a few years back) have absolutely no idea how to get involved or are worried about being screwed over financially (again, like what happened to me a few years back).
A few of the clubs have got 'club horses' and this is a great idea - but perhaps it only gets exposure to those already involved in the industry. I think though, each of us can play a small part that collectively could make a big difference by just introducing or reintroducing people to our great sport.
As an example, a few weeks back there was a charity quiz night I was involved in. Prizes were the usual (a nights accommodation, or a bottle of wine or a voucher etc.) but the winning team also got a 5% share in a standardbred. Thanks to the trainer, it is being trained on a 50/50 basis so they are not going to be out-of-pocket. Thanks to the agent, commission was reduced and thanks to the existing owners who agreed to give up just a small % each etc (contributions from everyone involved)...
The winning table consisted of 5 people, none of whom had ever owned a horse, but:
1 grew up going to Gloucester Park and loved it
1 always wanted a 'pony' as a kid and says she is now effectively living that dream
1 didn't even know horses could race "with a cart on their back"
and all 5 of them are emailing me explaining how exciting it is and how they love telling their friends and family about it etc. etc. and the interest in our sport becomes exponential. Whether or not they ever get another horse is still to be seen, but it can only be good for the sport.
And, as an owner in the sport, there is nothing better than sharing the experience with others - both the highs and lows!!!
To clarify, I am not suggesting we all put our hands in our pocket and give everyone free shares in our horses, I am just suggesting that this personal 'marketing' of our sport is something we can do ourselves without relying on HRA or the state bodies or the clubs.....
Absolutely couldn't agree more!Quote:
Originally Posted by Triple V
While I agree whith most of what has been discussed I really believe you have all missed the most important thing that harness racing has not built on . Yearling sales , or should I say lack of promotion. The apg site is a total disgrace ,we have had our race series no mention of any winners ,not even a word about the sensational achievement of bill and Anne breading both winners, that follows the stars cost about 20 grand only( I think) .
I know Kyle rang our local win news in gippsland and did a story on queen of pop's win ,it was a very good story interviewed Gary and Debbie , show the race etc, so it can be done.
In nz as a horse that's wins a group race anywhere in Australia or nz there is story about it on the nz website. How many of the horses that mark has brought out of the sales here have become top line horses ,and not a word on apg site or harness site.
I've just syndicated a horse , and the people have had a few gallopers as such with not a lot of luck , it's a well bred yearling,I haven't promised them anything but one thing it really did surprised them was the amount of money the horse could race for. Eg apg ,sires,breeders crown etc ,derbys,breeders crown again etc, and they can't believe how cheap it is to train one compared to gallopers.
There plenty to promote ,the social aspects, fun of owning one ,more owners will breed more punters and it all starts with sales, honest educated trainers,(that's where the kiwis kill us),and vibrant administrators, I believe in the theory that your CEO should be changed every 6-8 years ( there is exceptions) because they have new ideas,new directions just look at footy clubs.
Vvv I would like to see 1 race per meeting 1000-1200m for three months ,every meeting race 3 ,call it the sprint or whatever,any class ,our horses are going so quick now like gallopers a lot can't even stay a flat out 1200. 20 years ago every horse could run a mile and a half ,now there a lot can there best up to 1800, and it will extend a few horses careers. I bet very little but I always bet on the sprints.
Today we live in a mobile digital world.
Most people these days have the internet in their pocket on their smartphone.
Most people ON a trotting track these days have grey hair.
In 10 or more years 70% of them or more will not be with us.
Hence we need new people.
We need to connect with them thru Social Media, cos thats where they are.
Its the biggest shift in technology and communication EVER and its happening virally faster than most realise.
Make it specky, make it exciting, make it social, make it fun, make it relevant.
The trots should be on Instagram, with shots from a sulky, shots from the bar, shots from the grandstand, shots from a Go-Pro camera looking back at the driver mounted on the saddle.
To CONNECT with nearly anyone under 50 years of age, you will find them,(and might i say way cheaper than TV ads and other traditional forms of advertising that were all relevant 20 years and 10 and 5 years ago,) on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat etc.
I was in San Diego recently at the IHRSA World Fitness Convention and Trade Show, and of the key speakers to present to the absolute most powerful Club Owners in the US Europe Asia NZ and Australia was a guy called Gary Vaynerchuk and he blew the 2000 people away. He was the only person over 4 days to get a standing ovation, it was amazing, incredible, moving, stunning, i left that presentation went back to my hotel room and went online to buy 2 of his books. he was all about Social Media and he grabbed those 2000 people by the shirt, slapped them in the face and told them they are ALL advertising in a 2004 kind of way expecting a 2014 result. Ya gotta change. Ya gotta get relevant. Ya gotta get CURRENT.
Now i am not saying this is THE answer but by hell if you are not on it, you’re not in it. You wanna learn about Social Media, google Gary, and if you don’t think this is real, by hell you will change your mind if you read enough, it won’t take long.
I think the Kids trot races are one of the cleverest innovations. Its gets the kids a taste of the electricity of being in a race and funnels them into junior drivers and so on.
Their families follow them thru their journey, their friends come to the track to watch and you must imagine it should produce us better drivers in the long term. Just like most Formula 1 race car drivers started in go-karts, makes sense.
As others have alluded to, how about pushing syndicates?
Have a marketing team put together a package to sell to businesses from a staff bonding, Team Building, Social Committee point of view that brings the staff together and to bond out of work. Employees are always after a great staff environment and want to be known as a “preferred employer”.
The company could buy a $10,000 or $20,000 racing pacer. The staff can "buy in" for $50, $100, $500 or whatever, hell the company can even make a profit on it if they are smart. It can be part owned or at least guided by a HRV staff member (for example) who get a local Melton trainer to PRIMARILY race at Melton cos most syndicate owners may live not too far away.
Each club could have a similar concept where the sole purpose of this horse with maybe 100 owners or 10 owners race regularly at each local meeting to get as many owners TO THE TRACK as possible. And of course they will bet…
Sell 100 syndicates around Australia and thats a lot of people. Give each horse a Facebook page that the owners regularly go to and virally all the “friends” of the owners find out about the trots!
"Driver Chris Alford (Chilli Palmer, $1.40 fav) explained that he had attempted to gain a three wide trail into the race, initially behind Kotare Roland NZ (Emmett Brosnan), however when that gelding failed to shift wider he gained a trail on Im Barney Rubble NZ (Lance Justice) which failed to take him sufficiently into the race. Mr Alford added that over the fast final quarter it would always be difficult for Chilli Palmer NZ to make up ground when wide on the track."
Back to back weeks Chris Alford has got away with shockers on Chilli Palmer but at least this past week the Stewards noted it and probably apologized for bothering him afterwards : )
A 1.51 on the CV Track/Distance, a 4yo Classic in WA and a recent Geelong Cup win and as a red hot Fav he's playing cat and mouse with no hopers back in the field when the leaders are crawling in front.
Ballarat April 24, I'm Smouldering (Gavin Lang) 1-3 Fav, tucks in 6th of 8 in the running line, makes no effort at all to improve his position with the leaders dawdling, closes late for the 3rd. Not a peep from the Stewards.
Fast forward a week and racing for 25K, I'm Smouldering (Gavin Lang) around them from the second line to sit parked as soon as they settled. Not a peep from the stewards and no COT.
Three of the four examples above (this past fortnight) resulted in the defeat of prohibitive short priced public elects. All of which were basically ignored by Stewards.
When similar occurs at the Gallops, Stewards are all over it. Alford and Lang might be the best drivers in Victoria but the best jockeys in Victoria wouldn't get away with it. Jockeys would be reprimanded for their lack of initiative.
I missed a chunk of Aussie harness from 2003 - 2012 working abroad. 10+ years ago those policing the sport were far more on the ball than this current mob.
The sport has a credibility problem from the ground up. It needs to start there.
One thing I did miss - integrity is vitally important ,but don't think it improves betting turnover. When the blue magic saga was going on in Vic turnover went up about 6 per cent , which means exposure of any kind can help. For f&$@ sake people put money in poker machines. I am also a big fan of driver colors- sex sells we've got a lot of good looking girls driving ,let's get a following of the blokes that follows drivers as well just promote the whole circus not have of it.
You are right Ash - we need young ideas. I am one of the oldies (young retiree ;)) at the trots but I am talking day meetings and you would expect most younger people to be at work. I am not interested in facebook, twitter, instagram etc but I know that is where we need to be.
I hear Bill Vlahos isn't doing much nowadays. Now that bloke could generate capital! ;)
and I cringe every time I see or hear that ridiculous "we will trot you" advertisement.
A carrot for those who wear flannos over their Rose Tattoo T-Shirts to lose their pay in the on course pokies.
When it was released I heard someone mention that it was to attract a younger audience. If that person or those who bought into it believe that, they don't have a clue.
+2Quote:
Originally Posted by HaroldParker
Hey bob you can ride gallopers in Vic ,have ten grand on the fav ( your on second fav) get ten months ,,but it was his first bet remember . That the integrity we should be fighting for.
Danno, you are absolutely spot on.Quote:
Originally Posted by Danno
Someone commented on it within this thread but the location of the main track in NSW and Victoria is a big problem. In regards to on track attendance, Menangle and Melton aren't in the City and what is there to do afterwards ?
Trying not to be a snob here : ) but it's a far different crowd at Menangle that it was at Harold Park, same for Melton than at Moonee Valley.
Go to Gloucester Park on any Friday night and you'll see the difference.
Only 10K ? laying Chilli Palmer is far more profitable : )Quote:
Originally Posted by cyclone george
First race at Menangle on Saturday night is 4.55pm. It's 10 degrees colder there in Winter and 10 degrees warmer in Summer.
Every Friday night my mates and I would get to the first for Harold Park for 7pm from Pennant Hills (car or train) and kick on nearby after the last.
What young blokes or Ladies is making there way to Menangle for a 4.55pm kick off unless you live around the corner and have no thought of doing anything afterwards.
Another problem is, Harness Racing just doesn't have the same atmosphere in the day as it does at night.
I couldn't make the one and a half hour express from the City to Menangle on Len Smith day but I hear it was very quiet out there.
VVV- Beautifully put Dan. That should be printed out, framed and hung upon the office doors of many an Industry Administrator, sadly so very few if any of which are actually participants.Quote:
Originally Posted by Danno
I have no idea on how to improve participation but surely out of town (agree wholeheartedly with Bob #61) metro tracks that are hours out of the way are a massive setback in attracting folks to give them a taste of the trots (do love the syndication idea however).
In regard to improving turnover, the hotshot races in Brisbane this arvo don't really appear to be the answer IMO. I have mentioned somewhere before that punters need to be able to identify their runners(s) more easily plus not have to guess which track does/not have a sprint lane.....make them all the same (won't bother me either way, I will still be punting).
Finally, a question for those a lot smarter than I. Could/would overall turnover increase, if like the gallops' Saturday arvo, we had our own time-slot dedicated to metro racing. I mentioned this in the recent survey and questioned would Sunday arvo/twilight be viable. As someone mentioned before this could include specialist coverage on Sky2. I know where I'd be if I could watch/bet Melton, Menangle, Albion, Globe & Gloucester together in one block of time! Not at the movies with the missus that's for sure.
That's awesome!! Great work!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Sofoulis
I sincerely hope that the administrators are reading this, the suggestions contained within this thread could just be the salvation of our industry.
I agree with 90% of them, I cannot come at the sprint races sorry, maybe a little too traditional in that regard. :) How about whilst we have their attention with a 'sprint' race, how about we get them to ask the drivers about their change of strategy in the following race, a mile and half standing start. :)
Here is a random thought that has been kicking around in my head for 15 years or so courtesy of Gordon Campbell :) Why can't we have a mobile with handicaps, using technology to create a visible light beam at the appropriate distances.
Perhaps we could adopt the motto of "Back to the Future". Return what made the sport great, with an eye on the modern ways to do it.
Interesting thread this one. Some good ideas.
As for Phil's comment about mobile handicaps. They had the angled barrier starts at Albion Park some years ago when Rod Osborne was chief steward. Were scrapped after a short period. Not popular at all with participants and punters. I think some of these races might have been held at MV as well.
As for betting more preferential draws. Good example Newcastle Derby the other nite. Bling It On draws the pole starts $1.10. Stifles betting. If it gets barrier 10 might be $1.50 and put more interest into the race and the betting. There are many instances where this happens. If you have these situations because of a RBD at least keep the race out of the quaddie. Get some value into it.
Totally agree with others regarding Melton and Menangle being basically country tracks. You will not attract new people to the sport at these venues. You are only preaching to the converted. But what's done is done and I'm not sure how you solve this.
http://www.smh.com.au/business/tabco...506-37uo4.html
Tabcorp boss blasts online bookies (.... over their small contribution to the racing industry)
This is making me think that providing entertainment and getting people back to the tracks is most important
Melton only covers one side of Melbourne, if we cannot have a city track (too late now) can we develop maybe Yarra Glen and Cranbourne or ? to cover more points from the city (as well as capturing the townsfolk of our big country tracks of course)
http://www.smh.com.au/business/tabco...506-37uo4.html
Developing Cranbourne further would be a great idea. It is a huge growth area out that way. I'm not sure what there is in the way of public transport from the city out to Melton. Maybe someone knows. Does it need improving or looking at?Quote:
Originally Posted by Messenger
Have read this topic and everyone had good ideas and agree nothing better to get interest is to get people involved, syndicates were way to go.Have organised a few in the past and have tried gain just recently to no avail as the sport has at the present moment got a smell about it like it or deny it it is true.
Went to harness .org.au this morning and read story about Dean Braun having 3 chances to upset Smoken up.Go to stewards wrap and 2nd story there is about his positive and case being adjourned until 30/5.
Honestly how can people have any faith in the sport when things like this happen.
Nsw seems to be on the right track now and other states need to follow suit to rebuild faith in sport and help it get rid of the reputation of being corrupt.
This is a very specialised area - media and marketting. How to ramp up the image of the sport needs professional advice from people who are qualified and expert at giving such advice. I would recommend that the industry invests in professional marketting consultants to make an informed report with key recommendations for the board and membership. Sadly, many industries have dwindled because of poor marketting, research and/or investment decisions. I can tell you as a social scientist, we know that the most successful businesses engage in ongoing research and development to ensure that their product is ahead of the market and provides what the market needs. Is Harness Racing Australia engaged in ongoing Quality marketing and research. I underline the word quality - because there are some people who do such consultancy work, however, they are not suitably qualified or skilled to do what is needed.
My incursion into "trotting'' as it was called in those days occurred way back in 1967 when at the age of 17 I attended the Interdominions in Perth which was an unbelievable event. The interest generated by media saturation was one of the reasons a huge crowd was in attendance. We are talking horses of the calibre of First Lee ,Tongue Twister from N.S.W., Goulburn View ( second in final ) from Vic, Robin Dundee and Waitaki Hanover from N.Z. ,Minuteman, Bon Adios from S.A., the great Halwes from Tassy and Blue Pennant, Binshaw ( winner of final ) and Coneeda (third in final) from W.A. and 7 other interstate horses. I know that trotting was held in higher regard back then but media advertising was a lot more prevalent and I think more advertising is needed today particularly in all major harness events (not just skyracing ads where you are preaching to the converted) if you want people on track. The fact that so many interstate and N.Z. horses were in W.A. before the advent of chartered air flights shows how important the I.D. was on the pacing calender. Back to my story.........I continued for the next few years as a punter until I considered it a mug's game but my love of the horses and racing steered me towards owning my own horse, I was not interested in syndication as I wanted to be more personally involved. I purchased a city horse I had seen racing and sent him to trainer friend of mine. After a time he decided to cut back on his team and as my bloke was just running around with the field he returned the horse to me. I was in a dilemma what to do so I decided to take out an owner/trainer permit without having any experience in training pacers. As I considered myself reasonably intelligent and a lovely horse that taught me a lot we never looked back. Under my training he improved out of sight. Here lies another dilemma in getting people interested in trotting/pacing, back then as an owner I was able to obtain a trainers permit on a fairly limited knowledge of training I'd be surprised if that is the case now and it appears the only alternative is syndication with a million other owners to reduce training fees. I feel the stewards now have take control of horses out of the trainers hands to some degree in an attempt to make it more professional and at the same time taken the fun element out the equation. Burgeoning costs is another show stopper many years ago it was the battlers sport where any person could have a horse or two in their back yard - not any more. The solution to these problems I don't know but one thing I am certain of is that city racing has to return to Saturday nights not Friday especially at Melton if you want people back at the track. Who wants to rush home from work on a Friday night and then race off to the track? - not many.
YES Rod, must get city racing back to Saturday nights. Couldn't agree more.
As for melton they should run free shuttle busses to and from the city on race nights. Its way to expensive to get a taxi there and to hard to get public transport.
Another thing not helping is that there are just too many races to bet on nowadays , you can bet on races somewhere in the world all day and all night !
Without doubt social media is the way forward, but what we are seeing at Victorian level no doubt needs some work. We do see pictures of the winners after each event at Melton but they are almost always blurry, clearly captured on a mobile phone camera. And by the way, how many people photographed in the stalls after a race with their horse have inappropriate footwear on!
Agree regarding syndications, have seen numerous examples where there have been many happy owners, but also recall having 50 individual owners of one horse proving an inconvenience for the board as they had to register 50 new owners in the computer!
Horses aren't household names like they used to be. For those on Facebook, below is something I have had a bit to do with which just shows how people will warm to the right campaign to positively promote our sport in social media.
Take notice next time you are in a waiting room somewhere - people are always on their phones, and I reckon they are on Facebook or similar, not looking up topics on a search engine.
https://www.facebook.com/popularalm
Regarding Cranbourne, the facilities in place are more than adequate for a Saturday night type crowd in terms of dining room, lawn area etc. And the population is out in this area too, though they won't commit to getting involved in an activity that is only on occasionally. It needs to be say the first Saturday of the month, so everyone knows that's when we go to the trots.
You would be relying on patrons in cars though as the train takes a good hour from the city and then probably a half hour walk from the station to the track, so this places Cranbourne in a similar position to Melton. It would be quicker to catch a country train to Warragul where the track is 500 metres from the station and the population growth is projected just as high as Melton or Cranbourne in future years.
In order to capture a city and inner suburban audience and bring them back to the track (like when they used to go to the Valley) you would need a track built in the inner east/south east, no further out than say Oakleigh.
Ironically there is a training track in Oakleigh still - perhaps a deal could be done with the council to develop this and surrounding land into a second, true "metro" track?
Kyle, I dont think we can support 2 metro tracks in Victoria. And besides , I dont think Oakleigh council will tie up crown land in harness racing, when they can flog it off for housing development if they get crash strapped. We really needed to develope the showgrounds further, but I guess it would have meant getting in bed with the Agricultural society, and then it may have been the same scenario as it was with Moonee Valley racing club.
In my opinion there are 5 key things that need to be addressed collectively by all state bodies, endorsed and supported by HRA for harness racing to sustain its rightful place. I have summarised them below.
1. World Class Integrity. This includes but is not limited to;
Comprehensive drug testing regime including out of competition testing.
Introduction of transparent levels for certain substances.
Consistent enforcement of race tactics and driving capability (including the COT rule and how it is applied).
Restricted access to race day stalls to licensed persons and properly identified owners only at all venues Australia wide.
Introduction of relegation rule.
2. Improved Professionalism Across the Industry. This includes but is not limited to;
Introduction of a premium drivers licence for professional drivers only. Limited by state and capability tested.
Introduction of professional drivers only meetings in all states.
Dress code for trainers & drivers at all TAB meetings.
Strict rules re use of mobile phones and other communication devices on course by licensed drivers competing on race day.
Investment in youth development programs.
National Trainer/Driver development centre.
3. Programming & Alignment. This includes but is not limited to;
All states to align to either Friday or Saturday night for feature Metropolitan meeting with 30mins between races at all venues.
Better coordination across all states in programming of feature events, especially juvenile races & mares races.
Ongoing review and adjustment to the balance of conditioning racing based on current horse population.
Improved programming for fillies & mares to prolong racing careers and to earn genuine black type status.
Ownership of the PM time slot. Minimise TAB meetings during the daytime, leave this space for non TAB events.
Introduction of a Sunday grass track racing calendar in eastern states by 2016.
4. National Consolidation of Services. This includes but it not limited to;
Creation of RISA style services centre for Harness Racing to remove state duplication for administration functions such a registration, racing etc.
Complete review of all governing body functions and realign duplicated functions into a national centre
5. New Minimum Standard for Infrastructure & Facilities. This includes but is not limited to;
State by state review of tracks and facilities. Reduction required.
Greater accountability placed on clubs re general standards of all services.
Free entry for owners with horses engaged for all meetings Australia wide.
Free entry to general public for every meeting outside 1 nominated feature meeting per club each year.
There are more things required under each area and plenty of detail to be determined and agreed but hopefully the summary above gives a reasonable insight into my point of view.
If we are able to achieve the above then, and only then, will we have a product that is worth investing in a comprehensive marketing, attraction and recruitment program. Investing without the above is pointless as the product isn't good enough or consistent enough.
I was once taught a very good lesson:
'great execution will always make up for poor marketing but great marketing will never make up for poor execution.'
The above will also create a wagering product that is more desirable to punters, big & small.
Harness racing needs to be rebuilt brick by brick starting with the core fundamentals that make a great product. It requires ruthless intent and application of a clear set of goals collectively by the state bodies, ably supported by HRA.
It can happen.
I like your thinking Mitch. Realizing that we must get the execution right first cannot be overstated.
A couple of small points. I understand that night slots are preferable but I am worried about making day meetings non TAB as I am not sure they would survive and I would miss nice sunny days at the trots. Of course this also means a lot of country tracks would have to light up or die. Most of us want a shorter time between races but I wonder whether the TAB has something to do with this too.
There are a lot of cluey people putting valuable thought into this question. I think I will email HRA CEO Andrew Kelly again to let him know that this thread compliments his recent survey - I did not receive any acknowledgement of my first email (that to me is something that should be mandatory for any well run administration)
Agree Leigh - the remaining land at Oakleigh as an example is too small anyway, and the present board will be flat out paying for what has been developed at Melton anyway.
While the location of Melton is on the right side of town for the participants, the higher amount of disposable income is on the opposite side of town. A dilemma well beyond the control of our sport, and something we are stuck with. Melbourne is a big place, and potential new owners from the Eastern suburbs won't travel out to the other side of town to watch their horses race in peak hour traffic for a 5:30 start on a Friday.
Regarding Mitch's views on where the future direction should be headed for the sport, these are the kinds of strategies that should be being discussed and implemented at state and national level but are the various boards thinking of intelligent ideas like these? If not, what are they discussing for the future at their monthly meetings?
I think you need to get into racing administration...we need exactly these kinds of ideas and the execution of themQuote:
Originally Posted by Mitch
+1