Racing welcomes new proposals to revamp its image

Proposals to modernise British horseracing's image, which were unveiled this morning, have received a positive reaction from those inside the industry.

The most controversial of 10 initiatives by Racing For Change is the trial use of decimal odds, such as 3.33-1 as opposed to fractions' like the more familiar 100-30, on racecourses for one weekend in the spring.

The move is thought to be a benefit to younger racegoers who have grown up with decimalisation.

The use of jockeys' and trainers' full names on racecards is a move long overdue and racing jargon is also to be simplified by the team charged with making the sport more relevant to an often bemused audience.

As such, terms like weighed in', Rule 4' and hanging', regularly used by racecourse announcers, will be phased out. Channel 4 Racing's Derek Thompson feels the changes are positive for the sport.

Thompson said: "The name Racing For Change' immediately alienates traditionalists, but I think these proposals are all good.

"Decimalisation is a good thing and terms like weighed-in' are all well and good, but what do they really mean to the average punter?

"We need to explain things, like the handicap system, to the customer in the clearest possible way, make things simpler and send people home with a smile on their face. I welcome the changes."