VRC looks to expand on Rapid Racing after successful debut
The Rapid Racing experiment that took centre stage at Flemington on Sunday could be repeated during the year but with several tweaks to the format.
The VRC has not ruled out a meeting during the AFL pre-finals bye weekend in a bid to capture attention.
VRC officials were pleased with the inaugural attempt at the concept, which saw seven sprint races run down the straight at 30 minute intervals. Fourteen of the state's leading jockeys were organised into two teams - Country v City.
Home straight: Mark Zahra rides Explicitly to a win during Rapid Racing day. Credit:Getty Images
But, says the club's executive general manager of racing, Leigh Jordon, there remains plenty of scope for further innovation, including fitting all the riders with microphones for in-running commentary during the races, as happens in cricket.
"A big plus was the compact 30 minute program, it was tight ... but we need to be looking at developing new things," Jordon said on RSN's The Verdict show.
"We are looking closely at that model. We have to engage the local community across the river, we have the university, Footscray is a big community.
"Is the bye weekend before the footy finals start an opportunity? We have Metro v Country, should we be having Vic v NSW or Vic v the rest of the country? Should we have one in winter, one in summer? Is the February date the right date? There are lots of things to consider.
"For a first up go, I was definitely sure it was a success [although] I think we have to utilise the jockeys more with our fans."
Asked about wiring the jockeys for sound, Jordon said: "You have to keep some things up your sleeve for next time [but] it's definitely one on the agenda.
"There are issues within play, maybe the language, but I am sure we could get around that!"
Jordon believes new camera angles could also illustrate the intensity of sprint racing better.
"I would not mind having a track down the outside lane where we have a camera running virtually along with the field, where you get that Olympics style coverage," he said.