Global Views: Adversity Leads To Necessary Change

In our Global Views column, we hear from trainees of Godolphin Flying Start.

Adversity is simply the change that we have not adapted to yet. It is an inevitable aspect of life and often reflects negative circumstances, however, it is a vital component of growth. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause widespread disruptions to our industry, it is time to rise to the challenge.

Times of challenge bring unique opportunities. While racing is suspended in many jurisdictions, the remaining regions have an opportunity to showcase the sport to a wider audience. As a whole, horse racing has experienced a general decline in spectators in recent times. This can be attributed to an increase in alternative sports, betting opportunities and negative media coverage. With the absence of many popular sports, racing has re-emerged as a source of real entertainment for a population of people craving their sporting fix. Recent reports out of the U.S. have signalled twice as many viewers of horse racing, while in Australia, Sydney racing coverage rose 40%. Traditionally, Saturday afternoon coverage of the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival would be overshadowed by nationally favoured football and rugby competitions. However, in their absence, it is essential that horse racing capitalises on the opportunity. It is now a time to showcase the strengths of our industry while attracting those who feel indifferent towards racing and to convert them into genuine fans of our sport.

During times of difficulty, progression becomes inevitable and almost always overcomes tradition. As an industry largely built on convention, the Thoroughbred industry can be sometimes regarded as behind the times. Technology has an important role in our industry, but its value hasn't been truly acknowledged until now. Thanks to foresight and technology, we have recently witnessed a portion of an elite yearling sale salvaged with remarkable success. Delivering the first session of the Easter Yearling Sale in a digital format, Inglis has proved that adaptability is essential in challenging times. Since then, sales companies around the world including Arqana and Fasig-Tipton have announced online additions to their businesses.

Technology has also proven itself to be an integral tool in maintaining the Northern Hemisphere breeding season. With coverings in full swing and in an effort to reduce disease risk, all paper-based breeding documents are now required in digital formats. It is likely that studs will reflect on this valuable change and ensure it becomes the norm of their business. It proves that times of uncertainty can be the defining factor in pushing the industry towards embracing innovation.

Overcoming adversity equips us with an increased capability to deal with future misfortunes. In the spring of 2007, the Australian racing industry suffered a catastrophic event during an outbreak of Equine Influenza. It forced national equine movement restrictions, caused cancellations of hundreds of race meetings and losses of millions in prizemoney. It has, however, provided our industry with experience and that has been critical in maintaining racing within mainland Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Strict biosecurity protocols and the establishment of specific zones provided the industry with a platform to model the changes imposed by COVID-19. The economic impact Equine Influenza imposed on the Australian breeding and racing industry cannot be understated, however, it certainly improved its capability to deal with future adversity.

Adaptability is critical and we must continue to embrace innovation to ensure our industry remains prosperous in such uncertain times. It is undoubtedly an anxious time for our industry and life in general, however it is important that we focus on the aspects that we can influence rather than fretting about the uncontrollable. Resilience combined with adaptability will see our industry overcome this disaster and prosper on the other side.