Towcester Chief Executive Kevin Ackerman concedes he has learned more than he expected to in the nine months since his racecourse added greyhound racing to its equine equivalent last December.
He says: “I would say the biggest surprise has been how small the core greyhound audience really is. With horse racing, you are guaranteed a solid base of probably 1,500 enthusiasts who will always turn out. That doesn’t happen with the greyhound people.
“Although the core is smaller, they are turning out regularly and our Saturday crowds are well in line with expectations. Fridays are okay, but definitely open to growth. Sundays have been a little disappointing, but are still growing. As Chris (Page, racing manager) has stated, we continue to review the Sunday situation.
“Although, we are considering the options, I personally share Chris’s doubts that we will reach our targets in the short term. My gut feeling is that we may eventually drop the Sundays and introduce a midweek meeting. That would give us other commercial opportunities as well as assisting the kennel strength.
“Racing three days in a row is far from ideal, but we are absolutely committed to three meetings a week. If we do switch, we will consider every option before we change that third night.”
