Television Sets Popular With Sydney Racegoers

Taupo Times, Volume VI, Issue 286, 1 August 1957, Page 7

Television Sets Popular With Sydney Racegoers

Large audiences at viewing screens have provecl closed circuit television has become a popular, integral part of racing at Randwick. Many regular racegoers now go to the course and see the races only on the television sereen. Televi^wers of races have considerably increased. When the service was introduced six months ago there were big audiences. Sceptics believed the novelty attracted them. Garden seats are set in front of the Sereen for televiewers. The A.J.C. now has 34 televiewer sets in operation at Randwick. Fourteen are ir* the paddock enclosure, 10 in the Leger, and 10 on the flat. Six of the sets in the paddock enclosure are in the bars and eight in the open. Tables and chairs are arranged around televiewer sets at the marquee bar. The tote stewardesses collect bets from the patrons. A drink waiter also provides a service for patrons who can see the whole programme and place their bets without leaving their seats. An A. J. C. official recently estimated there were between 200 and \ 300 viewers a set for each race. This means one in four persons on the course watches races on television screens. A.J.C. officials believe television has done much to spread crowds and redtice congestion in formerly crowded areas. During races there is now ample roorn in front of stands which were formerly crowded. One veteran viewer, 69-year-old school teacher, Mr H. G. Shepherd, who takes a seat in front of a television receiver an hour before the first race, said television was a boon for people like himself. He said: "I am beginning to feel the effects of the football injuries I received in my youth. I know what odds bookmakers are offering without pushing through the ring, and when I can go and make my bet." Well-known turf enthusiast, Mr Alf. Jenkins, a former Leger bookmaker, said: "Both my legs vrere injured when I was in the Army. ' I find it impossible to stand all day at a race meeting. With television I can take a rest, sit in comfort and still see the races."