Boxing Day's racing calendar is shaping up to be spectacular, but there's a looming question about the turnout. Despite the day's significance in the racing world, recent years have seen a notable dip in attendance.
Aintree Joins the Festive Racing Circuit
For the first time, Aintree, England's renowned racecourse, joins the Boxing Day lineup. Other venues nationwide, from Sedgefield to Wincanton, are poised to offer a diverse racing experience for fans of all levels.
Declining Attendances: A Concern for Kempton Park
While most traditional venues have bounced back to pre-Covid attendance levels, Kempton Park, hosting the prestigious King George card, has witnessed a worrying decline. The significant drop from 20,000 attendees in 2018 to around 11,500 in recent years raises concerns about public interest in this historic event.
The Economic Impact of Lower Turnouts
Kempton's dwindling figures are alarming, especially considering the track's struggle to draw large crowds outside significant events. The economic implications extend beyond ticket sales, encompassing food, drink, and betting revenues.
Constitution Hill: A Star Attraction
The Christmas Hurdle, featuring the renowned hurdler Constitution Hill, might inject much-needed excitement into the event.
Shishkin's Uncertain Performance
All eyes are on Shishkin, especially after his unexpected refusal to race at Ascot. Trainer Nicky Henderson remains hopeful but cautious about Shishkin's participation.
BHA's Ban on Long Tom
The recent ban on using Long Toms at the start, following Shishkin's incident at Ascot, adds another layer of unpredictability to the event.