MY CALL: LIGHTING UP THE NIGHT RACING ARGUMENT

By David Fowler | Tuesday, September 18, 2018

David Fowler is the principal thoroughbred caller for Radio TAB. David, who is a keen form student and punter, has enjoyed a lifetime involvement in the racing media. His personal blog, ‘My Call’, appears exclusively on HRO.

What's your take on Doomben racing under lights?

Hypothetical, yes, but wildly hypothetical, no.

Racing Queensland chair Steve Wilson made a particular point in his address at Sunday night's Awards knees-up at the Sofitel.

"We will be making a strong platform for twilight and night racing," he said.

And this is totally consistent with RQ's drive to increase turnover.

MY CALL understands a blueprint has been mapped out for Doomben to become a Friday night racing venue with only a handful of Saturday dates.

This is potentially still a couple of years away allowing for Eagle Farm's return and the lights' installation.

But the host club, the Brisbane Racing Club, is entitled to ask the serious question. "Will this work?"

This would be a significant shift to their racing model which in normal times (and it hasn't been that way for four years ) was Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Moonee Valley sets the benchmark for Australian night racing, encompassing a six month period from October to March.

They will run 18 strategically-selected Friday night meetings during 2018-19. The Doomben blueprint is for more than double that figure.

"Valley Nights" are well promoted and well attended. They are simply not cut and paste exercises in driving up betting turnover.

And the Moonee Valley precinct is nestled in a vibrant community, easily accessible by tram, bus and taxi. A ten minute trip from the CBD.

There is little doubt that running Doomben consistently on a Friday night would achieve RQ's desire of increased betting figures,

But, as I often say, with a result you must take responsibility of the consequences.

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Here are a few.

How does this new model effect the BRC's bottom line?

You cannot throw money at promoting every Friday night, particularly in cooler months and against the competing football codes.

Is Doomben "nestled in a vibrant community"? I would offer a "no" if it comes to a young demographic which would be the club's logical target audience.

Will this young demographic depart the bustling hotels, trendy bars and flash restaurants in the CBD to make a trip to Doomben on a regular basis?

Another consequence would be the reshaping of the stakeholders' model.

Late Friday night finishes and early Saturday morning starts would become the norm and not the exception.

Is that desirable and financially viable for those putting on the show?

And would lights on a fairly regular basis be acceptable to local residents?

You might think I've over-egged the question mark but I make no apology for it.

Racing Queensland should be applauded for thinking outside the square but it's not enough to put up something bright and shiny new and then hope to rest on its laurels.

And this particular proposition is deserving of scrutiny on the number of fronts I've addressed.

Consultation on a wide front is essential.

David Fowler