Racing welcomes new proposals to revamp its image

The most controversial of 10 initiatives by Racing For Change is the trial use of decimal odds, such as 3.33-1 as opposed to fractions' like the more familiar 100-30, on racecourses for one weekend in the spring.

The move is thought to be a benefit to younger racegoers who have grown up with decimalisation.

The use of jockeys' and trainers' full names on racecards is a move long overdue and racing jargon is also to be simplified by the team charged with making the sport more relevant to an often bemused audience.

As such, terms like weighed in', Rule 4' and hanging', regularly used by racecourse announcers, will be phased out. Channel 4 Racing's Derek Thompson feels the changes are positive for the sport.

Thompson said: "The name Racing For Change' immediately alienates traditionalists, but I think these proposals are all good.

"Decimalisation is a good thing and terms like weighed-in' are all well and good, but what do they really mean to the average punter?

"We need to explain things, like the handicap system, to the customer in the clearest possible way, make things simpler and send people home with a smile on their face. I welcome the changes."

Meanwhile, the Professional Jockeys' Association have signed up Jeremy Kyle as a host for The Lesters' — horse racing's equivalent of the Oscars.

The TV presenter and racehorse owner will co-host the event at the Hilton on Park Lane on 28 February with Derek Thompson.

Kyle said: "I've always loved my racing, my wife is a horse breeder and rides horses too, and we own a horse in training with Nick Gifford.

"Racing is my passion and, although my work means I don't go racing as much as I would like, I follow the sport closely on TV.

"When Tommo asked me to be his co-host, I had no hesitation in saying yes. I am looking forward to meeting my heroes Tony McCoy and Ruby Walsh."

The big freeze means prospects for jump racing remain bleak and Betfair have opened up a market on whether a National Hunt turf meeting will take place this week.

The Betfair market currently sees No' trading as the 1-2 favourite, with Yes' available at 7-4, despite Ffos Las reporting a "strong possibility" that their Welsh Champion Hurdle card will go ahead on Saturday.

Kempton is stepping into the breach with an additional all-weather fixture scheduled for Saturday and there will be free entry for visitors, with the first race at 12.55pm.