- Af Henry Deane

Since then the Chairman, Mogens Poulsen, and I have been searching for a new solution where I could stay on in a commission rewarded way. We found a solution agreeable to ourselves however we could not find a solution agreeable with the Tax Office because of ex-patriot rules.

We have received many kind words since the racing industry's funding was so drastically reduced. I would like to thank all those who have given Tom, Michael, Gitte, Filip and me their support and encouragement..

In particular I would like to thank:

The directors for their support especially Mogens Poulsen and Erik Olesen.

The HesteEjerForeningen especially Leif Schubert.

Nick Elsass and Dansk Galop for their advice and wisdom.

Kirsten Juncher and Jeppe and Gitte Eisner for their counsel and friendship.

I am looking forward to assisting the racecourse on a volunteer basis as much as I can in the future. I have had a very enjoyable time at Klampenborg and look forward to remaining a loyal friend to Copenhagen Racecourse.

Where does this leave the future of the racecourse? That depends on how we view the overall picture. I think that all of us: spectators, jockeys, trainers and owners can be proud of what we achieved in 2001 and that the sport is in a good position.

Review of 2001:

A higher attendance an improvement to the decline in on course betting turnover improved facilities more runners per race better results by Klampenborg trainers a better sporting experience for our customers and an improved economy.

I strongly feel (and we have independent support for this) that we successfully made effort to improve our gambling product for the off course market. But we were under constant threat of legal action by Væddesbladet when we attempted to supply better information for our customers on course:

We improved the access to information we improved the credibility of the sport and we made it more fun

I have no doubt that DanToto's view of the future is very different. It is perhaps a great shame that they were unable sufficiently to improve their performance and that the racecourses were collectively put at fault and penalised but no penalty has been given to DanToto!

Although there are many good people with ability in DanToto there are some of us who believe that as an institution it continues to show that it is unaware of the fundamental attraction of 'the betting product'.

For what it is worth I humbly offer my following opinions about the gambling product in Denmark which I tried unsuccessfully to influence DanToto and 'Tips and Lotto' about:

• That it is a game of knowledge and not a game of chance.
  
  
• That it is a fun thing to do only when you are supplied with accurate, full inexpensive information.
  
  
• That the product is the sport.
  
  
• That the marketing communication must fit the product.
  
  
• That the racecourses are the best promotional location.
  
  
• That the quality of the television images is the best form of advertising (I have hope that STV will serve our customers better).
  
  
• That DanToto should be promoted on course at all the big events.
  
  
• That DanToto should be promoted at other sporting venues e.g. football and handball.
  
  
• That betting shops near racecourses can work with racecourses to give the customer a better product.
  
  
• That gamblers going off course negatively effect attendance figures which interests sponsors.
  
  
• That racecourses do not have the resources to effect the behaviour of gamblers who do not attend the courses.
  
  
• That 'Tips and Lotto' should see the opportunities for gambling at racecourses on racedays and non-racedays i.e. nice atmosphere, restaurants, ready made customer base etc.
  
  
• That DanToto should assist the racecourses to improve their profitability from non-racedays with off course betting, and 'Tips and Lotto' facilities on racedays.
  
  
• That off course betting figures should be made available to the racecourses so that they can monitor their performance during the season.
  
  

A Look Forward to the 2002 Season and Beyond:
Part of what we are attempting to create at Copenhagen Racecourse is a reputation for equestrian excellence in the racing form. With the best Galop, Pony Galop, Arab Racing and Endurance in Scandinavia. By setting this as our public goal and by hopefully achieving a little success with the support of Danish owners, trainers and jockeys I sincerely hope that the government will have the political will, now and in the future, to help keep the racecourse open until DanToto or its successor can full fill its role as a partner in the cultural richness of Denmark.

I wish you all a very enjoyable future of entertainment and sport and look forward to seeing you at Klampenborg.