Young Bloods

For many, when thinking of horse racing in its heyday, it inspires visions of vintage racing greats such as Muis Roberts, Fred Rickaby and Harry and Bridget Oppenheimer to mention but a few. Whilst in some respects the sport has seen significant changes over the years – including the introduction of Tellytrack and online betting – it has also remained the same in many ways, including methods of handicapping, race day procedures and the old world charm that accompanies visits to the parade ring and winners enclosure.

Whilst many of the jockeys from the golden era are still very much involved in horse racing in other professions – some as trainers, some as Stipendiary stewards and others as riding masters and coaches – there is a buzzing undercurrent of ‘young blood’ pulsing through the racecourse and jockey room – a new generation of up and coming champions who are holding their own – some even smashing decade-old Championship records whilst still in their apprenticeship.

Join Racing It’s a Rush as we launch the Young Bloods series – an intimate look at the lifestyle and behind-the-scenes footage from aspiring jockeys, trainers, vets, stipendiary stewards and even commentators who make up the next generation of racing greats. Whilst rivals on the track, away from the races most of the jockeys and trainers are friends and comrades – fiercely protective of one another and the sport they passionately represent.

Their careers begin at an early age, thrusting them into the proverbial spotlight whilst still navigating their studies and managing additional pressures most teenagers don’t even consider - such as weight management and injury prevention. Like all millennials, these young bloods have active social lives but it comes with the added responsibilities and pressures of being professional athletes. It is a sport characterized by highs and lows, moments of sweet victory and devastating defeat, narrow losses and split-second decision making. With interviews with the likes of Lyle Hewitson, Muzi Yeni, Callan Murray and Alistair Cohen, join us as we find out more about the Sport of Kings from the proverbial horse’s mouths.

Excellent production.

I really thought In A Rush was gone?

What is the current structure at Phumelela and TellyTrack?

Maybe an organization chart or family tree would be handy?

I thought it was "It's a Rush"??!!

How utterly forgettable !!

This is a great production and would be a wonderful advertisement for racing if it enjoyed airtime on prime time tv. Not sure if this was ever aired but I hope it was in other places than just on the "Racing It's a Rush" facebook page.

This has always been one of racing's biggest failures, to market itself to a bigger audience than the already captured market and a small circle of horse enthusiasts.

Hope the new racing structure rising from the ashes will grasp the importance of marketing the sport with the intention of developing a whole new market for the sport with a much more rejuvenated demographic.

The question would be how do you get people involved as racing is a virtual unknown but for mostly bad publicity. To reach youngsters of all races you have to combine the visuals like in this production with an actual experience of the thrill of a horse running for you and seeing the beautiful fighting spirit of these fine creatures.

Most of our youngsters won't start their involvement as race horse owners for obvious financial reasons which is why the punting and social angle is so essential in selling the product to a future market. In my estimate there is no better way than to offer new products designed to elicit competition among participants over and above the obvious financial windfall of a winning bet.

Racing has never pursued this angle in its thinking towards new products and has missed great opportunities because of it. After many years of involvement in both racing and marketing the standout element for me to an extended racing involvement is the element of skill. This is not attained over night and requires a certain level and term of involvement to extract progress to a profitable skill level.

This i have recognised as a key requirement for a successful acquisition product and the design should address exposure, recognition and promotion of skill and off course the reward thereof.

These guys have so much to learn despite their many years of experience and regrettably I don't think that they are willing to consider new and different ideas, especially those relating to drawing customers to racing. Outsiders are nearly always seen as a threat rather than an opportunity and pride and its fallout can be painful.

Hope racing turns over a new leaf with dedicated and passionate people in future as the sport has so much more to offer than what the current crop are able to conceive.

Hi LSU

It was aired on Supersport in full every day this week (including last Saturday 12:45pm)

Sometimes twice a day

Thats great Bob, most definitely a step in the right direction then. Hope it was seen by many because it's a great production in my opinion and should be positively received.Thanks

Who watches SS...? If it's not on social media...it does not exist...it needs word of mouth...

I thought it was good.
The aerial shots were tremendous.
Maybe one or two of the "chats"came across as a bit scripted,particularly with Hewitson.
The final shot of the mares and foals in full flight was great.