Just heard that the Vaal today has maybe 200 people attending at this stage - maybe at best they can get 500-1000 unless there are busloads of people stuck in traffic - Remember the Emerald at best had 10 000 plus - I remember that just getting a place in a picnic site was difficult now that's empty - How did this happen? A 700k race and month end and empty - Really somebody needs to look closely at the way Racing is NOT marketed. So tragic as that meeting was my fav at the Vaal by a mile as the social aspect of the day was awesome and went on way into the night
Don wrote: follow.
the quality of horse was the attraction?
No the attraction was that money was spent on marketing the day!!!! Bands played and LOCAL people attended from V Town and the surrounds as it was an annual event worth attending in an area that does not have major events as the norm - It was marketed properly because... EMERALD CASINO was involved and they knew how to attract people .. The horses that raced on Sand can never be compared to those that race on Turf...The attraction was NOT THE RACE but the whole day/Night which was a package that worked well for years - If you make the Heritage a Gr I all you will get is the same amount of owners there watching - The Vaal is so isolated that the emphasis always has to be on marketing to the LOCAL people as an event as most racegoers hardly travel to Turffontein so going to the Vaal on a Saturday is not something that happens ...And no I did not go .... and yes I have done my part for Racing over decades but have those that are PAID to do their part for racing done their jobs? The decline in attendance suggests not
The following user(s) said Thank You: Muhtiman, mickeyblue, Over the Air
A great post Mr H and one that Don should pick the gems out of. I am tired of the excuses made by people who are too well paid to get results and constantly fail. The Heritage is but one of many examples of failure when the operator is left to "market". A more ominous example of a success story that will become an embarrassment if actions are not taken quickly, is the Met. J&B pulled out, and the wheels have started coming off. Numbers this year were way down on previous years nevermind whatever spin the Kenilworth Racing/Phumelela crowd tell you. Now compare the Queens Plate growth over the last few years, and spot the difference.
Last edit: 7 years 8 months ago by Over the Air.
The following user(s) said Thank You: mr hawaii, Don
Can I ask why people like Mr H and Pirates are not employed within horseracing? Genuine question. They are clearly divisions better than what the operators have on their books. No names but I was shown a National Manager at the operator when I was at Vascos the other day, definitely not the image I would want to portray. What criteria are used to fill senior positions, who you know or what you bring to the table?
can anyone remember how the commentator called Alimony home. what a lovely sand horse. had a big bet at 7/1 that day. my daughter had to come ask me why I'm shouting so much.
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