Racing relaxed on moving with the times

‘Non-standard times’ make an appearance at Wetherby and Musselburgh

British racing has eased without perceptible alarm into a new time zone.

On the first day of Brexit, there was an incongruous nod to Europe on Wetherby’s card on Saturday, as continental race times confirmed the action would get under way at 1.03 and conclude at 4.33.

In between, racegoers and competitors were required to switch on again for the 1.38, 2.12, 3.23 and 3.58.

In fact, as the British Horseracing Authority this month trials the practicality of ‘non-standard’ times – designed to avoid broadcast and punting clashes with races elsewhere – only the Grade Two Towton Novices’ Chase retained a reassuringly familiar scheduled start of 2.45.

Musselburgh too played guinea pig at the weekend, with Scotland stepping into the brave new world as the first of seven races was timed for 12.57 prompt.

In pro-active West Yorkshire at least, though, there was no fretting about a move with the times – albeit on a day when much of the racecourse retreated to the 15th century, with military re-enactments commemorating the Battle of Towton from which the feature race derives its name.

Harry Skelton was among the jockeys who ensured the first race duly set off, as prescribed, at 1.03 – and just a few seconds.

After winning it impressively for good measure, on Emmas Joy, Skelton relayed it had been a breeze from start to finish.

Asked if there were strict stewards’ instructions to prevent unnecessary delays, with just the hint of a raised eyebrow, he said: “Obviously, we just read what it says on the book, on the paper.”

A few thousand other people appeared to take it all in their stride too – with just the occasional grumble.

Doncaster-based bookmaker Steve Price observed changing times, but noticed no fanfare or furore.

Speaking as he settled business after the 1.38, he said: “It doesn’t make any difference – not to me, at all.

“I think if they all go off on time, it’ll be all right.”

Four of the six ‘non-standard’ times ran like clockwork, with the occupational hazard of a spread plate putting race two back by three minutes and a late finish at Musselburgh marginally delaying another.

It was hard to discern concern or confusion from anyone in Wetherby’s bars, paddock or betting ring.

The unsurprised bookmaker added: “Punters don’t seem to be bothered about it – we just need a bit more ink to print the tickets out.

“Nobody’s mentioned the new times – nobody’s seemed to notice.

“I did – because I said to (my fellow bookie) ‘What time we meeting, 10.33 or 10.30?!”

“The average punter doesn’t look at a racecard, doesn’t buy a Racing Post, or study the form.

“They used to come and say ‘Oh, 4-1 this morning.’ Now, they say ‘couple of pints, great …’.”

Among those who had made the trip for a day at the races was Jacob Whitehouse – all the way from London, in his case.

He managed to muster mild irritation at the apparent need for change – but no worries that it will impact on his enjoyment.

“I don’t really understand it – it’s ridiculous really,” he said.

“It was better as it was before. I wouldn’t say it’s confusing – but it’s just a bit odd, isn’t it?

“I’ll deal with it – it is what it is.”

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