Thanks for that input, Ian. Appreciated.
Yes, I would argue that the dissemination of track conditions isn't good enough or available enough.
You are right that I was mug. I am a mug, I'm realising that punters are a very long way down the list in customer satisfaction. I would argue that the introduction of 48 decs on a training community that didn't welcome it, simply to satisfy the need to print overseas race cards for far-away punters (who were also going to be adversely hit by it), racing authorities have shown scant regard for a big part of the racing community.
The problem is/was exacerbated by the need to generate funds for the racing industry when, really, the nettle to grasp is exacting a proper price for the product from the off-shore bookmakers. The sum generated by the selling of race cards is just small beer when compared to what is needed to bring prize money up to scratch.
The levy is something that has been contested for generations: bookies want to get the profit for as little as possible and have long been unwilling contributors. The racing authorities have become increasingly sheepish in this regard and instead of taking on the bookies head - on, they'd rather make some piecemeal, insubstantial gesture which hits punters and doesn't get the industry anywhere near the funds they need to adequately fund it.
This is a pressing affair which the racing authorities have shied away from for too long.
Yes, such info should be more readily available; both from the BHA and the (lazy) RP. I wouldn't want to accept that customer care comes under the heading of 'dog-eat-dog'
You're correct, Ian. All race fields are vulnerable to non - runners and the dead eight will be affected the most. These days, though, it's not even a risk; it's a certainty. It's a shame that if I see eight runners declared, I must declare myself to be at fault rather than being able to trust racing authorities to protect its customers. Fat chance of that. Nr's are an epidemic which no-one seems to care about.
Meanwhile, I should accept responsibility that I'm the problem. Hmmm
And that, Ian, is why I'm betting less and less.
