The first bang comes before the race even starts

It is almost certain that fans will be allowed to attend the horse racing venue - and a considerable number at that. Meran-Galopp boss Giovanni Martone talks about this novelty and what gaps the corona pandemic has left in the club's coffers. A difficult year lies behind you. How are you feeling about the new turf season? Giovanni Martone: “There are of course a lot of doubts and uncertainties regarding the first days of racing. But I can say that I look forward to the upcoming 2021 season with more confidence than last year.” What makes you confident? “First and foremost, that we survived the extremely difficult financial year of 2020 relatively unscathed, especially thanks to the support of the state of South Tyrol and the municipality of Merano. Despite all the restrictions, individual racing days were well attended and this shows that the racing venue is once again a popular address with locals and holiday guests.” What makes this year's launch different from last year's? “Last year we were faced with a completely new situation. There are still details to be clarified with the responsible ministry, but we assume that a maximum number of 1 spectators will be allowed on the racetrack on the first day of the race. If the situation continues to develop positively, we hope that we can expect almost “normal” racing days with a larger supporting program and betting operations from July onwards.” Under what conditions are spectators allowed on the racetrack? “Last year’s safety concept with temperature checks and distance rules worked very well. We also have numbered seats so spectators can feel safe. It still needs to be clarified what other benefits the visitor will gain from the vaccination certificate.” What does a start with spectators mean for you personally and for the Meran racecourse? “The audience is the heart of our concept. We are a racing venue that targets families and tourists. They have made a decisive contribution to the upswing in recent years. High viewer numbers are also crucial for the financial situation.” What is the situation with the sponsors? “Most of our sponsors come from the tourism industry. In 2019 we had sponsorship income of around 400.000 euros, a large part of which was lost in the previous year. With an audience, we hope to be able to win back many sponsors again this year.” What economic role do audience popularity and entrance fees play? “The entrance fees are only marginal as we have very moderate prices. Betting income no longer has a decisive influence on the balance sheets. Many spectators are an incentive for old and new sponsors and also a confirmation of the important role of the racing venue in the social and tourist context of the city of Meran and the country of South Tyrol.” What is the relationship with the relevant authorities in Rome? “I can say that despite all the difficulties, we were heard by the responsible ministry. I see the fact that we were granted two more racing days and that the prize money remained almost unchanged despite general cost-cutting measures as recognition for our good work in recent years.” What do you expect from the season in terms of sport? “I hope that the upward trend in sport will continue. We can count on very strong South Tyrolean racing teams and have the strongest Central European racing teams as guests. We also expect strong French horses to be present at the big meeting on the last weekend in June.” Interview: Leo Haller

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The first bang comes before the race even starts

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