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| The Thoroughbred racing industry is in decline due to an aging fanbase, competition from other forms of gambling, and increased concern about horse welfare, among other issues. |
Only 22% of the general public views Thoroughbred racing positively. Even among those classified as racing fans, less than half would recommend the sport to others. Attendance at tracks is decreasing, the fan base is aging, and those that still attend are betting less. These are some of the grim numbers presented at the Jockey Club’s annual Round Table Conference.
The findings on the state of the industry likely won’t surprise anyone who has followed Thoroughbred racing in recent years. Since 1990, the number of starters is down 23%. Race days are down 14% from 2000. The fan base is decreasing by 4% each year as aging fans pass away, casual fans lose interest, and fewer new fans enter the racing world.
The one component of the Thoroughbred industry that has improved is interest in major events, such as the Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup. Those races have seen increases in attendance and television ratings over the past ten years. However, they account for only a tiny percentage of the sport.
The study cites several reasons for the decline in racing’s popularity. Competition from other gambling options, such as casinos or online gambling, appears to pull fans away from the track. The sport also has a negative public image due to rising concerns about animal welfare and the perception that racing is not family- or community-friendly. Additionally, top races often occur nearly simultaneously at different tracks, diluting the dwindling fan base at each event.
The recommendations outlined in the study are:
- Increased television coverage
- A free-to-play website
- Fewer, better races and better scheduling
- Creation of a social game
- Innovative wagering platforms
- Track-integrated Advance-Deposit Wagering (ADW)
- Racing integrity reforms
- Encouragement of ownership through greater transparency
- Dissemination of best practices from tracks around the country.
At its August 14 Round Table Conference, the Jockey Club President and CEO James L. Gagliano announced that the organization would commit to funding these initiatives over the next five years.
Also at last weekend’s conference, the Jockey Club released its prediction that the 2012 Thoroughbred foal crop would be the smallest since 1971, based on the number of mares bred this year.
Click here to view selected exhibits from the industry study.
Boy, that is a tough problem. You certainly, can not stop people from aging, or loseing interest. TB farm will just have to get smaller, and not breed so many mares, just to get a few “best” colts/foals for racing. Or use what foals result, instead, of taking two out of 100 foals. The rest are sent where….???? Canada/Mexico
I hope this works. I have always loved thoroughbred racing. Although I know people think that it isn’t good for the horses welfare, I don’t believe it is as bad as people make it out too be. Yes, some thoroughbreds do brake down on the track,but horses can brake down in any horse sport. Racing is what thoroughbreds were born to do. You never see people complain about crosscountry, when I personally have seen more horses break down in that sport then in racing. (Note I am not against crosscountry, that was just an example). Those horses deserve a chance to run.
Horse racing is my lifes study and i think its a great beautiful sport! And one of my greatest fears is what if this sport ended! that would break my heart:( Soo thank you jockeyclub for making these improvements!! AND PEOPLE HORSE RACING IS NOT!!! CRUELTY!!!
I didn’t see “improved horse care and responsible breeding practices” anywhere??????
EXCELLENT POINT PAT! IMPROVED HORSE CARE AND RESPONSIBLE BREEDING PRACTICES SHOULD HAVE BEEN ON THE TOP OF THAT “TO-DO” LIST!!
I would hope that not only the perception of the sport will change but that there will be actual improvement for the welfare of horses and horse people too.