McClurkin: Apathy, Not Activists, Will Ruin Racing

The Slow Fade: Lessons for Horseracing from Greyhound Racing’s Decline

The recent bans on greyhound racing in Wales and Scotland have cast a peculiar shadow over the broader racing landscape. Tuning into Sky Sports Racing for previews of major events like the Dubai World Cup meeting and the start of the British Flat season, one might have noticed the occasional greyhound race from Romford interspersed with the usual equine action. This juxtaposition, of a sport openly discussed on mainstream channels while simultaneously being outlawed in parts of the UK, highlights a complex and potentially concerning trend.

While the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has been quick to distance itself from these bans, emphasising that there’s no direct link to the future of horseracing, the rapid decline of greyhound racing in these regions serves as a stark warning. The BHA’s stance, while understandable, might be underestimating the depth of the cultural connections between the two sports, particularly in England and Ireland where greyhound racing remains a more established product.

Apathy, Not Activism: The Real Demise of Greyhound Racing

The narrative surrounding the bans in Scotland and Wales has often been framed as a significant victory for animal welfare advocates. However, the reality on the ground appears to be far less about a pitched battle against protestors and more about a slow, creeping apathy. Tracks have been shuttered not necessarily due to overwhelming public outcry, but because people simply stopped attending and caring.

In Scotland, the ban was facilitated by a lack of strong opposition. The ruling Scottish National Party, neither for nor against the legislation, allowed the bill to pass, demonstrating a willingness to push through legislation when faced with minimal resistance. This approach, targeting a sport with little public engagement and no significant lobbying power, allowed politicians to achieve a seemingly positive outcome with minimal effort. It’s a strategy that allows devolved administrations to tick political boxes, appearing decisive on issues that hardly anyone is paying attention to.

The legislative move has been met with a degree of derision. The day after Scotland banned the sport, greyhound racing continued in Newcastle, meaning trainers north of the border could simply relocate their operations. This practical reality renders the legislation largely symbolic, yet it doesn’t deter some individuals from celebrating it as a major achievement. Such political theatre can contribute to public disillusionment, potentially leading to voter apathy.

The “Cancel Culture” Conundrum and Horseracing’s Vulnerability

This trend of banning cultural elements based on political whim or the clamour of a vocal minority should be a significant cause for concern within the horseracing industry. The “cancel culture” phenomenon, often amplified by social media, can exert undue influence, much like a small but vocal group of football fans demanding a manager’s dismissal.

While horseracing currently enjoys a strong position, being the second-most viewed spectator sport in Britain and holding considerable economic and cultural importance, it is not immune to shifts in public perception. It supports thousands of jobs and remains relevant in the public consciousness. However, it’s crucial to remember that greyhound racing was once a popular working-class pursuit in Wales and Scotland.

The closure of the greyhound track in Ayr, for instance, was due to neglect and a subsequent lack of public interest. The track became an eyesore, eventually costing a significant sum to restore, leading to its demolition. These stories, replicated across Scotland over the past 15-20 years, illustrate a pattern: sports can fade not due to active opposition, but through a gradual erosion of interest, rendering them financially unviable and irrelevant.

Guarding Against the Silent Majority’s Disinterest

As major events like the Grand National approach, the focus often falls on the vocal critics on social media. However, the true threat to horseracing lies not with these outspoken individuals, but with the silent majority. It is when this vast segment of the population simply stops caring that the alarm bells should truly ring.

Apathy is a powerful force. It allows those who oppose certain activities to claim victory largely unopposed. The template for the decline of greyhound racing is clear: a gradual loss of relevance, followed by public indifference, and then the swift legislative action that capitalises on this lack of engagement.

The horseracing industry must be vigilant. It needs to actively foster and maintain public interest, ensuring its continued relevance and financial viability. Ignoring the lessons learned from the slow, almost imperceptible demise of greyhound racing could see horseracing itself “go to the dogs” sooner than anyone anticipates. The focus should be on robust engagement, addressing genuine concerns, and ensuring the sport remains a vibrant and valued part of the cultural fabric, rather than becoming an easy target for fleeting political agendas.

Performance of the Week: Dubai World Cup Night Highlights

Despite the geopolitical turmoil in the Middle East, the Dubai World Cup meeting proceeded without significant disruption. A standout performance came from OMBUDSMAN in the Dubai Turf.

• Winner: OMBUDSMAN
• Race: Dubai Turf
• Trainer: John and Thady Gosden
• Jockey: William Buick
• Odds: 2-5 favourite
• Margin: Won by two lengths

OMBUDSMAN displayed a remarkable turn of foot, securing a comfortable victory for owners Godolphin on the 30th anniversary of the meeting. This impressive performance cements his status as a top-class performer who continues to improve with age.

Another notable European-trained contender was Calandagan. The French raider put in a strong performance, chasing down West Wind Blows to win the Sheema Classic by a length in a smooth and stylish fashion. These performances underscore the global appeal and high standard of racing showcased at the Dubai World Cup.