New bid to make horseracing 'more sexy'

Many stag parties may precede a heavy night's drinking with a big day out at the races, but officials are still keen to raise the profile of the sport further, it would seem.

Edward Gillespie, managing director of Cheltenham Racecourse, has backed plans to make racing "more sexy" by cutting out complicated jargon and making the betting process easier, the Gloucestershire Echo reports.

Mr Gillespie said more must be done to modernise the sport in order to help attract a greater number race-goers throughout the year.

"It's not about selling racing's reputation to simply attract stag dos and hen parties - we must retain its core values - but we have to change little things," he commented.

He added that future plans would centre on "evolution not revolution", but would make it easier for people to connect with and help encourage more punters through the turnstiles.

Those planning a flutter on the horses as part of their stag weekend have no shortage of events to choose from across the UK, with the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Aintree Grand National among a number of big-name races to be held around the country.