Latest updates for members –
Dear Members, 25/Jan/2022.
I hope you are all well and enjoying a degree of normality again. It has been good to see some great crowds back at Ludlow which is so important for the atmosphere it creates.
The runner numbers are returning to normal having struggled in October and November to get much over 40 runners a meeting. It was not just us, but it appeared to be a problem for all courses and it had a big knock on affect to the income we receive for Media Rights. Especially as we had already committed to pre Covid “prize money” levels which as a course is very much part of our DNA. But December and January have improved, and I think most racegoers will agree the quality of racing has been good, attracting the top trainers. Our prize money levels beat most tracks around the country which includes the likes of Newbury!
The Weighing Room has remained in the Green Zone (restricted access) and all those who enter must have proof of a negative LFT. The masks are still a request at present, but it is hoped that this will shortly change on the track.
I hope you have enjoyed having Robert Bellamy on our PA and announcements in the Winners Enclosure and more recently Colin Brown who was filling in for Robert.
We have got some fairly busy fixtures coming up with Wye Valley Breweries, The Charity Day and our Sunday May Meeting.
We have shortly got a challenge with the impending “Gambling Act” which is due to come out in March. It is the intention to have affordability tests on individuals who gamble over a certain level which may involve having your bank statements checked. And to rid any visual gambling adverts on the Racecourse. Which will likely stop terrestrial tv being shown on our TV screens. So a big challenge to racings finances but it is hoped common sense will prevail.
I hope you like the new caterers Plyvine who I think personally have really raised the bar on the standard of our food.
Hope to see you all on the track.
Regards,
Simon Sherwood.
