In a bid to widen the popularity of the sports, the UK horseracing industry-created Racing for Change has introduced a series of 10 new trials. These include significant changes in the odds format offered at races by introducing decimal odds instead of the current system, as well as the creation of a budget that will reward jockeys and trainers who increase their media appearance outside the industry.

“British horse racing is the envy of the racing world with our abundance of outstanding horses,” said Racing for Change chairman, Brian McFadden. “Yet the sport needs to work harder to connect with a wider public. This is, no doubt, a result of a significantly more competitive betting and leisure environment – so we have to raise our game.”

He added that recent consultations have delivered many more good ideas that the body could start to implement.