2007 figures show decline again for greyhound racing.

Byline: By Jim Cremin and Paul Brown 

AS has been widely anticipated, the BGRB annual tracks statistics published yesterday for 2007 make for uncomfortable reading.

Nationally, attendances fell by over four per cent, with tote turnover also down by nearly four per cent.

Total prize-money paid was also reduced, again by four per cent, although that reflects to some extent the reduction in BGRF prize money contributions paid in 2007.

The statistics were provided by 26 of the 29 NGRC-licensed tracks - Coventry, Henlow and Shawfield did not make returns despite having done so in 2006.

Eight tracks reported improved attendances and 11 reported increases in their average tote turnover per race, but unlike years past, no individual breakdowns were available. This is as a result of a decision of the Racecourse Promoters Association not to release them.

Clive Feltham, acting chairman of the RCPA since Charles Chandler gave up the position, stated: "A full analysis is something we have always done in the past, but a number of promoters felt there were good commercial reasons for not going into this detail - and you can understand the sensitivities in the current climate.

That said, it is something that will remain under review."

It may be that some tracks are embarrassed by their figures, but the fact remains that those same tracks are applying for public money via the Fund, and how they are faring and using the support is now less transparent.

The 2007 figures may be poor, but are only to the end of last year, and bear little relevance to current performance. Many tracks are said to have had a "horrible" time since May 1. Last month, in particular, was said to be disastrous, with some big-name tracks seeing attendances fall by some 25 per cent.

Bizarrely, the only track to do well was Walthamstow, with reports of around seven per cent overall growth - a huge differential on the others.

Better news came last weekend, despite the massive crowd at the Stow for the final meeting, when both Romford and Wimbledon are believed to have done better than expected on both Friday and Saturday. "It seems people have been exposed to greyhound racing in the wider media and decided to take a look," said one insider.

Commenting on the figures, BGRB chairman David Lipsey said: "There is no getting away from the fact that the overall statistics are generally disappointing, although I am very encouraged to see that a good number of tracks across the country bucked the trends and boosted their attendances in 2007.

"There appear to have been a number of factors combining to make 2007 a tough trading year for tracks. The combination of introducing the smoking ban and the rising popularity of 'stay at home' leisure activities has affected not just greyhound racing but also casinos, horse racing, bingo halls and pubs.

"Greyhound racing has to remind the public how much more entertaining and enjoyable a night at the dogs is compared to staying in watching a DVD or surfing the net, and I am delighted that the BGRF has been able to support a new promotional initiative which will be rolled out during the autumn."

Despite the disappointing data, Lipsey still believes that there remains cause for quiet optimism.

He added: "We are entering a difficult economic period that will test the resilience of many operators in the leisure sector.

However, our sport continues to offer a fun, exciting and affordable night out and that is the message we must promote.

"I am pleased that several tracks including Nottingham, Sunderland and Kinsley have recently, or are currently, investing in their facilities.

"The recent success of Yarmouth, as an example, confirms that those with quality restaurant, bar and entertainment facilities are in a much stronger position to compete successfully in an increasingly competitive market."

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Clive Feltham: Sensitive figures