RACING in city centres across the world is set to become a reality next year on the back of a successful trial at Aintree this week.

The City Racing group staged three three-furlong demonstration races – each with eight runners – on a specially-laid artificial surface alongside the first five fences of the Grand National course at the Liverpool track, and now plans to roll out the initiative to create events in places such as London, Melbourne, Paris and Cape Town, subject to gaining the necessary approval.

Jockey Club CEO Paul Fisher, whose organisation part owns City Racing, said: “I think it will really appeal to millennials – a younger, urban audience for whom racing doesn’t normally figure in their leisure time.”

City Racing CEO Peter Phillips said the project was “taking racing out of its comfort zone” and revealed the first two locations for races to take place in 2019 would be announced in January.

QUESTIONING

He said: “You’re always going to get a certain amount of questioning about a new concept and it’s up to us to talk to all the constituents and get rid of any potential misconceptions. We have to reassure owners, trainers and jockeys that we’re doing it properly.”

The artificial surface used in City Racing’s trial at Aintree was likened to the tracks at Wolverhampton and Newcastle by jockeys who featured in the demonstration races.

Classic-winning rider Sean Levey said it rode “unbelievably well” and described the initiative as “a great idea”. Hollie Doyle added: “They’re getting their toe in a little bit, which is great. Sometimes a new surface can ride a bit quick or kick up but it rode perfect. I can’t fault it.”