For many casual fans, horse racing is all about the end product that occurs on the track. They don’t see the years of effort that go into making successful racehorses. That’s a shame, as the training side can be one of the most compelling things about the sport.

With shows like Clarkson’s Farm attracting high viewing figures and giving audiences an inside look at how farming works in the country, it could be time for trainers to get the same treatment with more behind-the-scenes content. There is a growing trend in viewer habits toward behind-the-scenes treatments.

Trainers are central to Racing’s best stories

In the modern entertainment world where there’s a vast array of digital content, sports have become so much more than just the action on the track or pitch. Formula One has been completely revamped thanks to Netflix’s Drive to Survive and its improved accessibility, and has flourished thanks to its focus on the drivers, teams, and stories. Other titles such as the All or Nothing series aim to create a compelling narrative around sporting seasons. Champions: Full Gallop is the beginnings of the same process for jump racing.

The same thing needs to happen with horse racing, as it’s the trainers that can give the sport an interesting new angle for casual viewers to enjoy. A lot of people don’t know just how much influence the likes of Henry Daly and Venetia Williams have on the scene in their area. They have to choose races that their horses will compete in, manage fitness, and judge ground conditions, among many other competing facets. Piggybacking their day-to-day lives through the screen would make excellent viewing.

Live streaming could make stable life more accessible

If Netflix or another major streamer doesn’t decide to strike a deal with one of our Shropshire trainers to make a series, there’s a case to be made for these people to take matters into their own hands and show these companies what they are missing out on. However, it may be hard for trainers to create their own content while also concentrating on the day job.

This is where live streaming could come in. The medium has become particularly popular across the country in recent times, with everything from live shopping to live casino UK. Now, people are used to playing games like Prestige Roulette with real dealers or making purchases from live shopping influencers. Horse trainers could tap into the popularity of this technology and show constant footage of what goes on at the stables. By setting up live cameras, all the great moments will be recorded and could then be used later in highlight reels to attract more viewers.

In reality, this concept is most likely to be adopted by a leading trainer, and underwritten by a bookmaker sponsor. After all, the exclusive content that is delivered by trainers to their wagering sponsors is only an extension of the same process of fan engagement, and it was a betting form that underwrote Champions: Full Gallop.

Ludlow’s local trainers could help tell a wider regional story

This approach could work particularly well around Ludlow, where racing already has a strong local identity through the racecourse, some thriving yards, and a competitive Point-to-Point calendar. The area has several notable trainers and racing figures who could collaborate and all set up their own cameras. This could be hosted on an online platform, allowing viewers to switch between different live streams and see what’s happening at any time in the different stables.

The challenge, as always, is in deciding what is fit for broadcast and what not. Leaving aside the sometimes earthy language amongst Britain’s stable staff, there’s a simple matter of etiquette too. An owner who pays the bills has a right to know about a setback to his horse before the general public, for example. And viewers should be spared the grim nature of accidents on the gallops that are screened off by legions of staff on racedays, but these are not in abundance on private gallops.

Anyone who’s involved with training will know that there’s plenty of drama and raw emotion involved, but most of this is hidden from casual racing fans, although the advent of racing clubs has helped bring stable life into more public view. It’s time to bring this to the fore and show people what they are missing with more behind-the-scenes content.

Step forward Venetia, Henry or Alistair: let’s see your appetite for wider fan engagement.