I watched the St Leger in a betting shop today. I entered the shop just as the horses were arriving at the start.
There were only two other people in the shop. The cashier and a fellow playing the machines (and clearly not interested that the World’s Oldest Classic was about to start). If I hadn’t turned up, the Leger would have had an audience of no one in that shop.
I suppose there are factors to consider. Liverpool were at home, so some customers may have been at Anfield or watching the game streamed somewhere. The race was live on free to air television. And, of course, plenty of betting has moved online.
Having said that, I don’t expect this almost empty shop on a Saturday afternoon was untypical. How can the shops stay open when it seems like no one is using them?
The only surprise is that Hills, BetFred and Paddy Power are keeping plenty of shops open.