Racing remains strong in face of World Cup competition 25/06/2010 |
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Bookmakers have revealed that horse racing has held its own against the World Cup so far this summer.
Ladbrokes and Totesport confirmed that interest in Royal Ascot last week had actually increased in parts of their businesses.
"It's been encouraging so far," said George Primarolo, a spokesman for Totesport. "During Royal Ascot, our turnover on racing was up on last year, by about 4 per cent on phones and internet and less in the shops. And that flies in the face of any fears racing had that it might be driven down by having to compete."
David Williams of Ladbrokes added: "The whole idea of a World Cup is that it brings in brand new customers and if they come in to bet on Slovenia, they may end up betting on Goodwood as well. It's tricky to say that football's taking turnover from racing, because football's boom may end up being racing's boom – but not yet."
Williams said that Ladbrokes betting shops had suffered a 10 per cent drop in Royal Ascot turnover, but that was offset by a 25 per cent increase in business done over the phones and on the internet, reflecting a change in punters' habits.
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