Language no longer a barrier for Chinese punters

Trying to understand a racing form guide is difficult enough for most occasional punters.

So imagine trying to read one in a different language.

That mission impossible is why the Auckland Greyhound Racing Club instigated a New Zealand first by publishing a Chinese language betting guide for selected meetings in the hope of attracting punters from the Asian community to its Manukau track.

It worked.

Six months ago a normal Sunday twilight meeting attracted a handful of genuine customers, with most of the 100 or so who attended meetings being owners, trainers or their families.

That has grown to around 400 customers at the selected meetings aimed at the Asian community, resulting in a huge increase in turnover.

The new boss of Auckland greyhound racing, Robert Death, says the move was long overdue and now seems stunningly simple.

"It really is remarkable nobody has tried it here before," said Mr Death.

"We don't do it for every meeting but pick certain ones, where we also have a loyalty card scheme and prizes which we think would appeal to our customers.

"With Howick not far away we have a strong local Asian community and we want them to feel this is a place where we do our best to make them welcome."

The project, backed by the New Zealand Racing Board, has helped boost overall greyhound turnover in Auckland and should result in an increased crowd for tonight's feature race of the year, the Auckland Cup.

While it may not attract the glamour names of yesterday's galloping cup or tomorrow night's trotting cup, the Cup is worth $25,000 and the meeting also hosts New Zealand's biggest sprint, so Mr Death is expecting a near-record night.

"We have good fields and if people have never been to the greyhounds then this meeting is a great chance for them to check it out."


Puppy power

What: Auckland Greyhound Cup.
Where: Manukau Stadium.
When: First race 5.30 tonight, Cup at 8.17pm.