National priority to boost racing's profile

The hopes and dreams of so many people are pinned on those 43 runners for ten minutes of the most demanding, exciting race in the world. But the popularity of racing among the general public is dwindling, with a lack of television coverage and the industry's inability to sell itself to a wider audience due to its obsession with the betting side of operations.

Even so, the BBC's coverage last Saturday was fantastic. They related to the viewers' sentiments and drew them in on a personal level through detailed and poignant accounts from owners and trainers about their horses. Clare Balding is a true professional.

If the racing industry could pull its head away from the clouds and deal with more personal stories during its regular coverage, maybe it would be more attractive to the audience they are trying so hard to involve.

Point-to-pointing is also trying to broaden its appeal to attract more diverse crowds. Hunts desperately need to make a profit at their meetings. Bearing in mind the limited funds at their disposal, most are doing a reasonable job of attracting the general public. This job should be a relatively straightforward, given that it is such an available and enjoyable sport for the whole family.

The big race sponsors are necessary and invaluable. But without people to watch the races, how can small hunts afford to continue? A recent survey of 200 people in a town near Nottingham revealed 42 per cent didn't know what point-to-pointing was.

It is families the organisers are keen to attract. As a mum I know how difficult it is to keep a three year-old entertained for longer than 20 minutes on a day away from home.

Some children's trips I refuse to put myself through again – like the Christmas train journey from hell, filthy carriages, blocked toilets, a 16-year-old Santa whose beard falls off when he speaks and a carriage full of screaming toddlers whose dissatisfied parents argue with an elf.

Compare that with the last point-to-point, where Felix, my son, thought playing with his friends on the bouncy castle, hook-a-duck and a ball pool was heaven.

John Wade, businessman and trainer from Mordon, organised an "Amateur Day" racing recently at Sedgefield. It was well supported and produced cracking racing, including three camel races.

It was highly entertaining and ultra-competitive with two camels twice the size and speed of the competition. Chris Dawson and Mark Walford almost ripped each others' shirts to be the first one on board Ruby, the favourite, who won by a nose.

Sam Drake, 22, my ex-head girl, won her first Hunter Chase aboard Optimistic Harry. "He's just won more than he cost to buy," she said afterwards.

My brother Tom and mum Jenny were all in attendance and loyally backed Sam at

33-1. Both familes went out to celebrate in style courtesy of her winnings. Apparently we return the favour when I win – hope they don't get hungry waiting.

n Yorkshire champion lady jockey Jo Foster trains

horses at Brookleigh Farm, Menston, West Yorkshire.