Barry Hearn’s Bold Racing Vision: A Path from Drawing Board to the Winner’s Enclosure Pt 2

When Barry Hearn rolled up his sleeves or rather switched on his shrewd sports promoting mind and offered his ten-point plan to save British horse racing, many in the industry pricked up their ears. After all, this is the man who breathed fresh life into snooker and darts. Why not racing?

But in a sector with centuries of tradition, cautious government departments, an ever-watchful regulator, and racing authorities juggling competing interests, new ideas can hit resistance before they even reach the paddock. The question now is: how could Hearn’s vision be nudged from tantalising blueprint to a credible plan that sticks?

The answer isn’t galloping headlong into sweeping reforms. Instead, think measured progress—a series of incremental, carefully piloted steps that keep the show on the road. Here’s how the key stakeholders might respond to Hearn’s headline suggestions, and more importantly, how they could work together to chart a path that leads racing into a brighter, more sustainable future.

Government: “Steady On, Let’s See the Numbers”

The UK Government has made no secret of its aim to create a safer, fairer gambling environment. On one hand, ministers value the cultural heritage and economic heft that racing brings, especially to rural communities. On the other, they’re charged with balancing growth against responsible gambling. So while a 2.5% turnover levy to boost prize money might sound appealing, they’ll want solid data before they commit.

Expect a formal consultation—the kind of process that sees civil servants scribbling notes, policy gurus crunching numbers, and everyone from punters to racecourse owners invited to have their say. With independent economic modelling to predict how a new revised turnover levy might alter the betting landscape, the Government would measure the likely impact on consumer spending, operator margins, and indeed the punter’s pocket. If the sums add up, this could evolve into a serious proposition rather than a pipe dream.

The Gambling Commission: “Show Us the Evidence”

The Gambling Commission is the industry’s watchful referee, ready with the whistle if any party steps out of line. While it doesn’t set tax policy, it closely monitors affordability checks, safer gambling measures, and product designs—anything that might protect consumers. Faced with a radical funding overhaul, the Commission would naturally ask, “How do we know this won’t harm players or push gamblers offshore?”

Instead of torpedoing the idea, the Commission would likely remain neutral until it has data in hand. It would insist on thorough research, pilot schemes, and close monitoring. If racing authorities and bookmakers can show that new levies and better prize money don’t mean loosening protection standards, the Commission might just nod approval, quietly and pragmatically.

Racing Authorities: “Bring It On—But Let’s Be Practical”

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and its partners have long sung the same refrain: British racing’s purse strings need a serious loosening. From grassroots stables to big-name trainers, everyone agrees that low prize money drags down competition, quality, and ultimately, punter interest.

Hearn’s ideas speak to their deepest wishes, but racing chiefs know that dragging bookmakers to the table for a levy hike is no small feat. They’ll relish the spotlight on prize money but understand that a phased, consultative approach is crucial. After all, racing thrives on cooperation—there’s no point in alienating bookmakers who help fund the sport. The authorities would back a measured rollout, starting small, testing changes at a few racecourses, and scaling up if results are positive.

Turning Talk into Trophies: A Seven-Stage Plan

So how do you steer Hearn’s vision from a twinkle in his eye to a solid trophy in the winners’ enclosure? Through incremental steps that allow everyone—government, regulator, and industry—to keep one hand on the reins.

1. Consult and Crunch the Numbers:
   Begin with a government-led consultation and independent modelling. Understand how the levy might affect odds, margins, and consumer choice. Knowledge is power—and credibility.

2. Form a Joint Working Group:
   Bring the BHA,Levy Board, bookmakers, the Gambling Commission, and Government representatives to the same table. A single, unified group can tackle racing’s structural issues and propose reforms that get everyone nodding, if not cheering.

3. Try Before You Buy (with a Lower Levy):
   Instead of launching the full 2.5% levy on Day One, start smaller—say 1.5%—and test it over a year. Keep the money flowing straight into prize pots, especially for bread-and-butter meetings. If owners, trainers, and punters see tangible benefits, build confidence and then slowly scale up.

4. A Better Day at the Races:
   Money alone doesn’t buy excitement. Trial fresh, vibrant experiences at selected racecourses. Think family discounts, themed events, better food, and a festival atmosphere. Measure attendance, track consumer feedback, and replicate successful ideas more widely.

5. Roll Out the Red Carpet for Syndicates:
   Make ownership more accessible—fewer hurdles, simpler paperwork, and a warm welcome for small-stake enthusiasts. Showcase success stories of syndicates winning decent prize money and watch as fresh blood enriches the sport. Look to introduce a value proposition with connected benefits.

6. Coordinate with the Regulator:
   Work closely with the Gambling Commission to ensure that bigger purses and more fun don’t invite irresponsible gambling. Display safer gambling messaging prominently at racecourses and in marketing. If the Commission sees you’re serious about player protection, it’s more likely to give reforms its quiet blessing.

7. Annual Check-Ins and Tweaks:
   Don’t just set it and forget it. Hold an annual summit—a racing “state of the union”—to evaluate whether the levy, fan experience, and ownership schemes are hitting their marks. Adjust accordingly and maintain an open dialogue among all parties.

   Final, Optimised Steps in Brief to support the above stages:

   1. Data-Driven Consultation and Impact Modelling:
      Set a strict timeline, use independent analysts, compare to international models, and publicly share findings.

   2. Empowered Joint Working Group with Clear Terms:
      Define a neutral chair, decision-making authority, deadlines, and conflict resolution methods. This will involve a different managing structure than the current BHA and stakeholders.

   3. Levy Introduction with Pre-Set Performance Triggers:
      Start small, measure against agreed KPIs (attendance, field sizes, operator health, responsible gambling metrics), and only scale up if targets are met.

   4. Evidence-Based Racecourse Experience Enhancements:
      Pilot improvements at a variety of tracks, set quantifiable targets, measure outcomes, and roll out successes widely.

   5. Targeted Incentives and Simplified Pathways for Syndicates:
      Reduce fees, simplify processes, celebrate success stories, and introduce performance-linked rewards for smaller owners and syndicates.

   6. Formalised Safeguards via Commission Coordination:
      Sign an MoU with the Gambling Commission, set measurable harm prevention goals, and report results transparently.

   7. Annual Independent Review and Public Accountability:
      Assess progress annually using an independent panel, publish results, and adjust strategies based on objective metrics.

The Payoff: A Thriving, Modern British Racing Scene

By following these steps, Hearn’s ideas become more than just grand statements. They morph into a workable plan that respects tradition while embracing modern realities. The Government gets to say it’s safeguarding a cultural cornerstone responsibly. The Gambling Commission sees rigorous oversight and data-driven decision-making. Racing authorities secure much-needed cash infusions and fan engagement, while bettors, owners, and punters reap the rewards of a more vibrant, competitive, and inclusive sport.

In the end, if racing can integrate Hearn’s bold vision through careful piloting, collaboration, and a steady hand on the tiller, we may see a renaissance. More prize money, livelier racecourses, and a broader base of enthusiastic participants might just propel British racing back into the global spotlight—where its champions, both two-legged and four, can shine all the brighter.