"Metric distances and weights to be trialled
By Paul Eacott 12:00AM 25 JUL 2012

THE latest groundbreaking initiative from Racing For Change will hit Britain’s racecourses today when Sandown will use metric measurements of weights and distances as part of an experiment timed to coincide with the influx of overseas sports fans for the 2012 Olympics.

The three racecourses closest to London – Sandown, Kempton and Epsom – have agreed to take part in the trial, designed as a way of making the sport more accessible not only to overseas visitors but also to younger adults.

The idea is the latest from RFC whose aim is to make Britain’s £10 billion horseracing industry more accessible to the widest possible audience.

RFC argue that the use of imperial measures leaves many younger adults confused, with the vast majority of the UK population and much of the world now using metric measures exclusively.

Starting from Tuesday’s meeting at Sandown, the three tracks will be trialling the side-by-side usage of metric and imperial measures.

Rod Street, RFC chief executive, said: “Racing’s unique language is an asset and part of its heritage and appeal, but we do think the use of both metric and imperial measures will help us to explain the sport better to our international visitors and younger adults.

“Imperial measures don’t mean a great deal to kids and tourists, so it makes sense to trial the use of metric information.

“This summer our London racecourses are expecting a significant number of overseas visitors, as well as British families taking advantage of free entry for under 16s at most racedays.”

Britain and Ireland stand alone among major racing nations in still using imperial measures and Frankie Dettori, for one, welcomes the initiative.

“This is a great idea when so many tourists will be visiting Britain for the Olympics,” he said. “In Italy, I grew up with metrics so it’s second nature to me, as well as to my kids, but I can understand why they’re running them side-by-side,
since many racegoers are happier with Britain’s imperial measures.”

Racegoers at Sandown tonight, as well as those watching the coverage on Racing UK and in betting shops, will notice that the furlong markers will also be adorned with large metre markers, which will be displayed on the grandstand-facing sides only, while racecards will carry both race distances and jockey weights in imperial and metric units.

Eight fixtures – Sandown on Tuesday and Wednesday as well as on August 9, Epsom’s meeting on Wednesday and its fixture on August 2, along with the meetings at Kempton on August 6, 7 and 8 – will form the trial period.

If these dual displays prove popular with racegoers it is hoped by RFC that their wider introduction will be considered in the autumn."

Courtesy - Racing Post UK

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Now all they need to do is number the races instead of calling them a "time", and we can let them into the 21 century.

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Jose'.

After viewing English racing for some time(rarely wagering) I think they have greater problems than that......considering that our forward looking officials/politicians changed over in 1972 and have prospered ever since.
The "quaint" English racing community is not used to change as they are still "living" in the glory of 19th century Britain and the reign of Queen Victoria....because racing participation is not readily available to the everyday worker in their "class-ridden" society.
These "snobs" who wear their tophats at Newmarket cannot see beyond their glass of chardonnay and no wonder so many of their trainers venture here every year to share in our prizemoney "spoils!"
It's like venturing back in a time machine..........!

Cheers.

Jose, excellent point.