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kennethturrell1
28 Aug 26 01:49
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Date Joined: 13 Oct 01
| Topic/replies: 195 | Blogger: kennethturrell1's blog
Today there are race meetings both in late afternoon early evening at Fontwell and also at Goodwood.

Looking at the AA route planner they estimate the distance between these two racecourses at 7.5 miles.
However that is the long way round as there is a shorter route using the country lanes.

What brains in the BHA think this is good to have two meetings running at the same time as each other surely having one in the afternoon and the other later would be more sensible?

One can stand on trundle hill at Goodwood and actually see Fontwell Park so I fail to see how this could help either track and also
the betting levy.
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Report Ramruma August 28, 2026 3:45 AM BST
The BHA does not control race meetings since they lost a monopoly action 20-odd years ago, and now it is up to the courses when they race.
Report Brian August 28, 2026 8:44 AM BST
However you look at it, it is crazy. Both tracks are popular so will be well attended but obviously less than they would have been if not in competition with each other.
Report Ramruma August 28, 2026 8:58 AM BST
Brian -- "Both tracks are popular so will be well attended but obviously less than they would have been if not in competition with each other."

Yes, Fontwell would be better off without Goodwood and likewise Goodwood without Fontwell.

So if Fontwell did not race today, it's better for Goodwood.

BUT, and here is the kicker, Fontwell not racing is worse for Fontwell. And of course Goodwood gets more racegoers even with Fontwell down the road than it would by staying closed.

So for each course it is better to stage a meeting than not, regardless of what the neighbouring course does.

Now, in the old days, the calendar was coordinated by the Jockey Club and later the BHB (as the BHA was called then), among whose rules were that there could be no meetings within 30 miles of each other.

But this was ruled an illegal monopoly power and anyone wanting to bring it back is a limp-wristed commie subversive working to undermine free market capitalism.
Report lovegod August 28, 2026 9:42 AM BST
Similar tomorrow with Sandown racing in the afternoon finishing at 17.10 and Windsor starting at 16.30.
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