Where have we heard this before ...

This is taken from a keen story by Sarah Tregoning in Saturday's issue of The National:

"The second issue in turning people onto the racing scene rather than the social scene is somewhat more complex and cannot be addressed overnight. It is something that the industry as a whole must tackle, and it involves finding ways to attract new fans to the sport with so much competition around for their time and money.

"When it comes to this, racing in the UAE is unique. While money from betting is a major factor in the horse racing industry in much of the world's racing centers, gambling is illegal in the Emiratesand the sport here is just that -- a pure sporting occasion.

"There are some interesting and valid comparisons with football [soccer]. It is the world's most popular game at least in part because the fans are involved.

"... Through the media, there is a dialogue between fans and players -- an ongoing conversation that keeps the public informed about developments on and off the playing arena.

"There is a deep well of passion surrounding football because it accessible in a way horse racing is not. And that is the key.

"Passion exists in racing -- by the bucketload. So do some of the most engaging human and, for want of a better term `horse-interest' stories. Yet that information does not always reach those outside racing circles.

"The racing industry can seem a tight-knit, close-lipped clique, and terminology can be off-putting. If you are not a student of form, the entire racing industry could pass you by ..."

Sound familiar, anyone?