Lingfield Horse Racing fixtures

The bookmakers have already been locating the going hard at Lingfield this winter months with hardly any punters arriving to view the all-weather race being offered. Photograph: Alan Crowhurst/PA Archive/Press Association Ima

Fewer than half an hour prior to the first race here on Tuesday, any person walking their dog across the program will have had minimal clue that a day of sport had been going to take place. There was clearly no body in front of the grandstand with the exception of four forlorn bookmakers, hunched contrary to the cold and motionless, gazing over the track, like statues on Easter Island.

Small attendances are becoming a typical concern at this Surrey track, simply nine miles south regarding the M25. When it comes to fifth time considering that the start of December, the crowd was under 200. This time, it absolutely was simply 180, such as the proprietors and trainers of ponies just who went. Spending clients are thought having numbered fewer than 50.

It goes contrary to the grain proper to admire a bookmaker although fortitude of few which stood here deserves credit. Racegoers and punters eventually shuffled out of the stands but there have been a maximum of 40 mulling over the chances at anyone time, appearing not as much as ten full minutes before every race.

John McCririck always claim he reported from "the betting forest" but the atmosphere here was more like a college disco as punters huddled together at a decent distance from bookies and stared at them. In the course of time, you would step hesitantly forward.

Placing a bet required more bravery than normal because those present could hear every detail for the bet hit. Then race ended up being run and everyone hastened right back around.

There have been at the least three races and only one or two punters stayed behind to claim winnings. By the end for the card, even bookies had taken to hustling around for coffee during lulls between events.

"It really is on a daily basis's wage, " said Paul Wilkinson, whom originated from Norwich to take wagers. The trip wouldn't normally being viable but also for the £150 fee he has been told to expect by their trade organization, nervous assuring at least a baseline solution.

Wilkinson and his partner, assisting him, had been anxious to not ever criticise the track ("that is our bread and butter") but admitted it might be difficult to turn any kind of profit with the company on offer. "You need an imaginative spouse, " she said.

Kate Hills, representing the track's owners, explained that fixture, like numerous others this winter, had been transmitted from Southwell afterwards training course was overloaded, and has now been tough to attract customized the extra cards, also by falling admission to £5, specially when the current weather is indeed unenticing.

"It really is maintaining the tv show on the way and supplying a full time income for a great deal of folks: the trainers, the jockeys, " she said. "The proprietors tend to be happy to have athletes; today is very good prize cash."

Rushing professionals are not even close to dismayed because of the little audience. Jockeys report they barely notice. Philip McBride, a winning instructor, says he could be too elated to care.

One punter, known just and extensively by his nickname, Tracksuit Dave, was also effective, welcoming one success by capering round the winners' enclosure, brandishing £20 notes. "It's soulless but it doesn't bother myself, so long as I'm able to log on to, " he stated. "You haven't got the effort. I won't do a Saturday conference; i am not rude however've got people getting intoxicated and therefore. Here, I'm Able To concentrate.

"If I make a pound note revenue, however definitely like it and I give it the 'Oi Oi!' as they get at night line.You'll hear me. Everybody hears myself regarding the telly as well as get, that has been Tracksuit Dave, he is backed a winner."