Part 1 of a 2 part piece acknowledging the new Fixture List from BHA.

Having been recently at Warwick Races for their Autumn meeting a quick glance at the programme shown strong race cards but the level of prize money on offer for grade 3 races was disappointing.

The cost of living is rising but prize money does not seem to keep pace, many are querying the sheer level of race cards in the UK and if this volume is needed, a prime example is the argument of extending Cheltenham in March by another day but when looking closer afield at the Dublin racing festival, the numbers, crowds, quality of racing on offer shone through, a more condensed fixture.  

The smaller trainers are being squeezed, the impact is similar to a domino effect, more race meetings, less quality, less crowds with racecourses struggling to attract crowds thus impacting on revenue. Traditionally the UK racing season is run from March to November featuring 1,400 races, with mental health to the fore as seen by the success of the HAYCampaign jockey, stable staff wellbeing is more so than ever in the spotlight. 

Many argue the sheer number of race meeting is needed for the sport to survive, the bookmakers playing a key role in funding the sport, with many leading trainers donning betting companies’ logos on jackets, in their yards etc, from a personal viewpoint not a good look for the sport but on the flip side, it’s a revenue stream.

Bookmakers argued with the onset of Brexit to maintain the status quo or even increase the number of race meeting due to proposed impact on revenue, helping boost the industry and help to offset potential losses caused by changes to trading relationships with the EU. It remains uncertain if this is to be passed. 

The future of racing not only in UK but worldwide is in a delicate position, thread softly as one famous quote advised!

Part 2 of this feature will look at the new Fixture List from BHA and what the response has been. The British Horseracing Authority has just released the 2024 fixture list with a focus on implementing several strategies designed to boost the popularity of the sport and the revenue it generates. But there has been a lot of pushback online. Check back in to read more in Part 2.