Ladbrokes has accepted a strong return for UK racing, as the general public yearns to watch live sports again following a near three-month hiatus.
During lockdown Ladbrokes commissioned research data firm Perspectus Global to undertake a survey of 2,000 sports fans to find out their views on what they missed most about watching live sport.
Ladbrokes stated that an ‘absence has clearly made the heart grow fonder’, as 56% of the sports fans surveyed said the lack of sport on TV has made them realise ‘how much they love it’.
Today’s lunchtime meeting at Newcastle (13:00) will see UK racing restart its summer schedule behind closed doors. Meanwhile, this Saturday’s ‘2000 Guineas Stake’ at Newmarket (6 June) will be the UK’s first competitive terrestrial sports broadcast to be aired since lockdown began.
Ladbrokes revealed a bright outlook for racing’s return, as 50% of survey participants said they would tune-in to watch racing behind closed doors.
When quizzed about what they missed the most about watching the racing on television, 36% said they missed watching the racing itself, 17% missed watching with friends and 9% missed the build-up to the races.
Nicola McGeady, Head of Ladbrokes PR, said: “It really is good to have racing back. The crisis hasn’t just halted our enjoyment of sport, whether live or on television, it’s taken away the sociability and sense of togetherness that comes from cheering on a winner, or consoling each other on backing a loser. ”
“Following two months with no live sport, Ladbrokes details that 50% sports fans said they will be tuning in and watching the behind the closed door races on Monday, confirming that the nation is chomping at the bit for the resumption of horse racing action.”
Source:SBCnews