Non-standard race times to be trialled in February 2020

[Derek27]

Yep, and it doesn't matter how far away the start is from the paddock, you just have to make sure you give them whatever time is required.

That's what my boss kept telling me when I was late for work.

[Derek27]

Just a reminder:

Non-standard race times would only be trialled on days when there are four or more meetings being staged concurrently in Britain or Ireland. There are 11 days in February on which non-standard race times will be in use, consisting of five Saturdays and six weekdays.

Any fixtures being broadcast on terrestrial television in Britain or Ireland will continue to use standard race times, except any third ITV Racing meetings on a Saturday which would have non-standard race times for non-televised races.

February's probably not the best month to trial it, with the stormy weather forecast.

[ANGELS15]

I'm not really sure whether any of this is going to make a real difference. At present if a meeting is cancelled and there are at least 2 remaining meetings then one will usually delay it's races by a few minutes to even things out. Non standard times won't change that. Also in bookmakers there are dog races (themselves non standard times) going off left right and centre along with nowadays a lot of daytime foreign races from France and South Africa so there will still be clashes.

[PDC]

So far so good, much better.

Lets just hope they keep getting the races off to time. I think we have a bit of the Saturday, the better courses and a sense of urgency to get races off on time due to a new initiative factoring in to them being off on time today.

Just a shame Lingfield aren't arsed about screwing the lead in to Sandown.

[spreadbetting]

Just a shame Lingfield aren't arsed about screwing the lead in to Sandown.

I'd imagine the BHA have told the courses to stick to the times today, no delaying for other courses to see how things pan out.

[PDC]

I'd imagine the BHA have told the courses to stick to the times today, no delaying for other courses to see how things pan out.

Seems that way, Wetherby 2:45pm race didnt wait at all for the previous race to finish despite having a 10 minute gap so easily could have waited the required minute or two.

Overall so far I am a fan of the staggered times but it is esssential all tracks stick to their off time, this might happen in the small trial days but if it became the norm I am sure the tracks would return to the norm of going off as and when they want.

[spreadbetting]

I find it annoying as I'm so used to races starting on the 5 minute slots, even have a few clocks set around the house so I can get to the PC with 2 miins to the off if needed. With the new times that messes it up for me as I can't be lazy and will now have to remember what time the next is off Hopefully they'll only use it on the busy days like Saturday where it's non stop racing.

[Dallas]

I find it annoying as I'm so used to races starting on the 5 minute slots, even have a few clocks set around the house so I can get to the PC with 2 miins to the off if needed. With the new times that messes it up for me as I can't be lazy and will now have to remember what time the next is off Hopefully they'll only use it on the busy days like Saturday where it's non stop racing.

I'm now picturing your house looking like the opening scene from Back to the Future

[PDC]

I find it annoying as I'm so used to races starting on the 5 minute slots, even have a few clocks set around the house so I can get to the PC with 2 miins to the off if needed. With the new times that messes it up for me as I can't be lazy and will now have to remember what time the next is off Hopefully they'll only use it on the busy days like Saturday where it's non stop racing.

I'm now picturing your house looking like the opening scene from Back to the Future

https://youtu.be/3isQI0nXQRE?t=35



I thought you just ran bots SB? Didn't realise you manually trade as well on the horses.

[spreadbetting]

Most is automated, PDC, but I still trade the UK races most days. I only ever play a couple of minutes out though, so I'm generally pottering around doing other things and have visible clocks in the garage, kitchen ,etc. Always easy to get to the PC if races are going off at the old 5 minute times, these days I'll have to try and remember start times as well as looking at clocks

I just couldn't maintain the concentration needed to be trading each race after the previous has finished, done it in the past and you're worn out by the end of the day especially with night racing etc. So I just play a couple of minutes out when things are easier to spot for me. If I'm at the PC too long i find the devil finds work for idle hands and I end up sticking in stupid speculative trades that don't pay their way.

[PDC]

Its a pretty limited trial so shouldn't cause you too many headaches:

There are 11 days in February on which non-standard race times will be in use, consisting of five Saturdays and six weekdays.

I suspect though it will be adopted as it is a no brainer really.

[PDC]

I am a big fan of these changes, it will be a real shame if they aren't introduced and also used more widely with a bit of refining.

They are working really well.

[napshnap]

I am a big fan of these changes, it will be a real shame if they aren't introduced and also used more widely with a bit of refining.

They are working really well.

Why? More comfortable, more trading opportunities?

For me, workflow feels more smooth now without clashes, but I can't say my profits increased yet.

[PDC]

Very few clashes compared to what we would have had with standard times. Also you get to see a minute or two before the race which you wouldn't otherwise.

[spreadbetting]

Be glad when this trial ends, hopefully they won't continue with it just ensure tracks keep to times