"You see, Anthony? This will allow for a much smoother flow of foot traffic. No more bottlenecks, no more frustrated patrons missing the start of a race because they were stuck in a queue."
Anthony studied the sketch, nodding appreciatively. "It's a bold design, sir. It will require significant renovations, but I can see the benefits."
Victor waved away the concern. "The cost is immaterial if it improves the experience for our patrons. And speaking of experience..."
He launched into a detailed description of his plans for the various enclosures. The grandstand would be refurbished with more comfortable seating and improved sightlines. The members' enclosure would be made more exclusive, with additional amenities to justify the higher price of membership.
"But we mustn't neglect our other patrons," Victor insisted. "The Silver Ring, Anthony. That's where we can make a real difference."
He described his vision for an expanded family area, complete with a petting zoo, pony rides, and a miniature railway. "We'll make it a place where families can spend an entire day, Anthony. Not just watching the races, but enjoying themselves, creating memories."
Anthony's pen flew across the page, struggling to keep up with the torrent of ideas. Victor, however, showed no signs of slowing down.
"The parade ring, Anthony. It's not just a place for showing off the horses. It's an educational opportunity. We'll have expert commentators explaining what to look for in a racehorse. Perhaps even offer short classes on race day mornings."
He paused, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "In fact, why stop there? We should consider building a small museum dedicated to the history of horse racing. It would be educational, of course, but also a draw in its own right."
Anthony looked up from his notebook, a mix of awe and concern on his face. "Sir, these are all excellent ideas, but the cost..."
Victor cut him off with a wave of his hand. "The cost is an investment in our future, Anthony. But you're right to be concerned. We'll need to be strategic in our implementation."
He returned to his desk, pulling out a sheet of paper covered in calculations. "I've done some preliminary figures. I will get a source of money in the near future which will help with my cash problem.
Anthony leaned forward, studying the figures. Despite the ambitious nature of the plans, the numbers seemed sound. He nodded slowly. "It's aggressive, sir, but not impossible."
Victor smiled, a rare expression of satisfaction crossing his features. "Excellent. Now, let's discuss our expansion plans."
For the next hour, Victor outlined his vision for a network of racecourses spanning the country. Each would have its own unique character, tailored to its location, but all would adhere to the high standards they were setting in London.
"Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh," Victor listed off. "We'll start there, but who knows where we might end up? We could revolutionize racing across the entire Empire."
Anthony's head was spinning with the scale of Victor's ambitions, but he couldn't deny the excitement he felt. This was more than just a business venture; it was a chance to leave a lasting mark on the world of horse racing.
As their meeting drew to a close, Victor fixed Anthony with a serious gaze. "I'm entrusting you with a great responsibility, Anthony. These plans... they're more than just business.
Anthony straightened in his chair, squaring his shoulders. "I understand, sir. You can count on me."
Victor nodded a hint of warmth in his eyes. "I know I can, Anthony. That's why you're here."
As Anthony gathered his notes and prepared to leave, Victor called out one last instruction. "Oh, and Anthony? Let's keep these plans between us for now. We don't want to alert our competitors to what we're planning."
Anthony nodded, understanding the need for discretion. "Of course, sir. Mum's the word."
As Victor finished outlining his ambitious expansion plans, Anthony reached into his briefcase and pulled out a thick dossier. He placed it on the desk between them, his expression a mix of anticipation and concern.
"Sir, as you requested, I've compiled a comprehensive list of our competitors in the racing industry," Anthony began. "I've taken the liberty of dividing them into three categories based on the level of threat they pose to our Storm Project."
Victor leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with interest. "Excellent work, Anthony. Let's hear it."
Anthony opened the dossier and began to explain. "I've divided the list into three parts: those which pose no significant risk to us, those which are already well-established, and those which are using... shall we say, less than reputable means to gain an advantage."
Victor nodded, gesturing for Anthony to continue.
"First, the minor players," Anthony began. "There's the Paddington Racing Society, run by the elderly Lord Farthingham. They host small races twice a month, but their facilities are outdated and their attendance has been dwindling for years."
Victor chuckled. "Old Farthingham's still at it, eh? I remember him from my younger days. Harmless old buffer."
Anthony continued, "Then there's the Kensington Equestrian Club. They're more focused on breeding and training than actual racing. They occasionally host small events, but nothing that would compete with our ambitions."
Victor nodded, making a mental note. "They might be worth keeping an eye on for potential partnerships in the future. Quality horses are always in demand."
"Moving on to the more established competitors," Anthony said, flipping to the next page. "The Royal Ascot, of course, is our most prestigious rival. They have a long history and royal patronage, which gives them a significant advantage in terms of reputation."
Victor's eyes narrowed. "Ascot's a tough nut to crack, but they're also set in their ways. We'll need to outmanoeuvre them with innovation and accessibility."
"Then there's the Epsom Downs Racecourse," Anthony continued. "They host the Derby, which is one of the most famous races in the world. They have a strong brand and a loyal following."
"The Derby's an institution," Victor mused. "We'll need to create our own marquee events to compete."
Anthony nodded, then hesitated before moving to the next page. "Now, sir, we come to the... less savoury elements of our competition."
Victor leaned forward, his expression hardening. "Go on."
"The Blackmoor Syndicate," Anthony began, his voice lowering instinctively. "They operate several smaller tracks across the country. We have reason to believe they're involved in race-fixing and illegal betting operations."
Victor's jaw clenched. "Amateurs. They'll bring heat down on the whole industry if they're not careful."
"Indeed, sir," Anthony agreed. "Then there's the Empire Racing Consortium. They've been expanding aggressively, buying up smaller tracks and squeezing out local operators. We've received reports of intimidation tactics being used against those who refuse to sell."
Victor's eyes flashed dangerously. "We'll need to keep a close eye on them. I won't have thugs ruining what we're trying to build."
Anthony nodded, then cleared his throat. "There's one more thing, sir. We've received... well, threats, to put it bluntly."
Victor raised an eyebrow. "Oh? From whom?"
"A group calling themselves the Jockey Club Preservation Society," Anthony explained. "They seem to view our expansion plans as a threat to the 'traditional values' of horse racing. We've received several strongly worded letters, and there have been rumours of them attempting to lobby against us in this industry."
Victor leaned back in his chair, a wry smile on his face. "So, the old guard feels threatened, do they? Good. It means we're on the right track."
Anthony closed the dossier, looking at Victor expectantly. "What weaknesses have you found in these competitors?" Victor asked.
Anthony shifted in his seat. "Due to the time constraints, we've only uncovered some main leads. When you need more detailed information, we can focus our efforts accordingly."
Victor nodded. "Fair enough. What have you got?"
"Well, sir," Anthony began, "The Royal Ascot, while prestigious, has been slow to adapt to changing times. They're resistant to new technologies and marketing strategies, which could leave them vulnerable to a more innovative competitor."
Victor nodded, his mind already racing with possibilities.
"Epsom Downs, on the other hand, is facing financial difficulties," Anthony continued. "The cost of maintaining their facilities and putting on the Derby each year is straining their resources. They might be open to... partnerships or buyouts in the near future."
Victor's eyes gleamed at this information. "Interesting. Very interesting indeed."
"As for the less reputable outfits," Anthony said, lowering his voice again, "The Blackmoor Syndicate's illegal activities make them vulnerable to law enforcement intervention. One well-placed tip to the authorities could disrupt their entire operation."
Victor nodded, filing this information away for potential future use.
"The Empire Racing Consortium, while aggressive, has overextended itself," Anthony explained. "They've taken on significant debt to fund their expansion. A downturn in the market could leave them in a precarious position."
"And our friends in the Jockey Club Preservation Society?" Victor asked.
Anthony hesitated for a moment, then spoke. "We've uncovered some... disturbing information about their activities. It seems they're involved in a rather unsavoury trade."
Victor's eyebrows raised slightly, his interest piqued. "Go on."
Anthony took a deep breath. "Our sources indicate that the Society has been trading in horse organs and body parts, sir. Specifically, from horses that have been injured or grown too old for racing."