naive suggestions for solving a crisis.

​It is to be applauded that after a prolonged period of sitting on their hands, the tripartite group that hold all the decision-making choices for the sport have agreed to thrash-out ‘a radical plan’ to sort out the crisis their intransigence has created. Though given the history of the three-way governance structure that has hamstrung the sport for decades it is hard to be optimistic that they will substantially agree on any of the sticking points and form the radical plan the sport is desperately requires.. The B.H.A. have promised the ‘radical plan’ will be published and put out for public debate in the spring of 2023, with the final agreement in place for 2024. I realise the horse racing industry is a big beast to manoeuvre but I would have hoped the B.H.A. might have imposed a hurry-up given the precarious state many sectors of the sport are in.
If it is decided that the B.H.A. must have control of the sport and that someone from within the industry is placed as some sort of supremo, I will see it as a result. I do not, though, have high hopes for anything approaching radical will be presented for discussion. I expect a mish-mash.
It must be remembered that horse racing is not alone in having difficulties at the moment. Rugby Union seems at the precipice, too, with major clubs threatening to go under. And most sports must address a reduction in spectator numbers. It’s the cost-of-living crisis, you know, and beyond the scope of sport to correct. 
Three problems speedily in need of attention are the recruitment of racing staff, racecourse attendance and encouraging more people into ownership.
Recruitment of staff: Jamie Gormley has announced he has left the sport to read utility metres. I do not know Jamie Gormley and have no knowledge about either his work ethic or character. I do know the sport is allowing him to take from it a skill-set that is desperately needed by trainers up and down the country. Has no one tried to persuade him to remain in the industry? No jockey, apprentice or amateur, should leave the sport without being advised on the possible jobs available. If we cannot keep skilled labour, skilled riders, what chance is there in persuading young people that a job in racing is a job for life?
I know in a limited form it is already happening but trainers should find time to occasionally host open days to show youngsters the benefits and joys, hardships and graft, of working with racehorses. If one youngster from each visit decides to work in racing it is an endeavour worth the hassle of organising.
Spectators at racecourses: here’s a radical idea, free entry or taster days for people in the local area. Free entry for senior citizens should be a given, as it is for under sixteens. Cheap entry for people living within the post-code of the racecourse. Guides to help newcomers understand the basics of a day out at the races and to introduce them to the various stands, betting opportunities and where they can and cannot go on the racecourse. `Horse racing grew-up around local fairs and saints days. A reinvention of such themes might help align people with the notion of the local racecourse being a friendly and welcome venue for recreation.
Ownership of racehorses: Owning a racehorse is expensive, really silly expensive, and with little or no chance of breaking even over a twelve-month period due to the really poor level of prize-money in this country, it must be bloody hard work for trainers to attract new owners. I suspect owners are more likely to attract new owners to a yard than one finding his or her own way to the trainer. So, yes, enticing new owners to the sport is the toughest nut to crack and I have little or no idea on how to solve the problem. Perhaps leasing a horse for a period of time might be a way for potential owners to sample the sport. Or perhaps some form of club system where for a monthly fee members might be invited to the stables to experience a day in the life of a stable, to watch horses on the gallops or schooling grounds, to watch and learn in the ins and outs of caring for racehorses. Dangling temptation in front of potential owners in hope one or two will join the ranks.
Naïve suggestions, perhaps, and others will put forward more advanced ideas. But something must be done otherwise the crisis in our sport will pass into critical.