Racing leaders have cut about 170 races from the 2023 summer program and rescheduled some races to the fall stage in a move designed to improve racing’s competitiveness Older brother.
British motorsport’s Industrial Strategy Group met last month and agreed that immediate changes are needed to increase competitiveness by 2023, with more strategic changes to the sport, including the roster, scheduled from 2024 onwards.
On Apartment, the maximum number of races programmed for meetings in July and August will be reduced from an average of 6 and a half to 6 at all meetings where the total prize money is zero. exceeded £200,000, eliminating around 120 races.
The National Hunt card will be reduced from seven races to six during that period, with the September card being cut to six from an average of six and a half, resulting in a reduction of 50 competitions.
To minimize the financial impact of this development, all-weather meetings will be allowed to program eight races in October and November, with the option to split into 9, while the National Hunt card will be open. expanded into seven races in October and November, when field sizes are typically larger and races more competitive.
Race planning will also be tweaked with plans to better tailor the program to the horse population, remove the worst performing races from the schedule, and reassess the program for riders. for people with disabilities in the nursery, as well as reducing the number of such races in July and August to 10 -12%, subject to consideration of the number of minors at the beginning of the new year.
Overcoming the obstacle course, the beginner’s weightlifting program from May to August will be replaced by a third-place handicap chase program, although they will also be reduced by 10-15%.
The parachute chase program will also be redesigned to be more relevant to the horse population, affecting about 10% of third and fourth class parachute chases.
As well as the above, a number of other tactical interventions have been agreed to help increase competitiveness.
Richard Wayman, chief executive of the UK Equestrian Authority, said: “It has been agreed in our industry that while a more strategic approach is needed to ensure an exciting future for racing vehicle, immediate action is required to address the issues surrounding the sport’s competitiveness we are presenting to the public.
“It is with pleasure that an agreement was quickly reached on this package of measures that will promote improved competitiveness in the coming year. We can now focus even further forward and look to develop and introduce more fundamental changes to increase the appeal of the race for fans and customers in 2024 and beyond. again. “
In another change, overseas-trained runners will be allowed to compete with low handicaps from the start of 2023, except for times of the year where there are not enough opportunities for runners. Trained in the UK, especially in the Finals from September to December.
The BHA also said it is working with the respective modeling committees to review Model and List racing programs for both Flat and Jump racing, with a view to “consolidating, refining and reinforcing the program.” black type”.
Charlie Liverton, Chief Executive of the Racehorse Owners’ Association, said, “British Racing continues to recognize the challenges it faces. The package announced today is a short-term tactical plan that we hope will increase the competitiveness of British racing. Conversations continue about the long-term strategy for the sport.
“Race participants have been expressing their frustrations about the race program and the side effects of the current structure for some time. I am delighted that this has been recognized and furthermore, working with the BHA and the racetracks, has helped to formulate a possible solution.
“This is an important sign that the industry is on the right track and we can now turn our attention to long-term strategic planning.”
David Armstrong, chief executive of the Racecourses Association, added, “Following a two-day strategy meeting in London, it is very encouraging to see the sport come together and make a difference. meaningful number of changes for the calendar year 2023.
“While the core of the strategic output will be delivered by 2024, the RCA and Members fully support these short-term interventions, which will certainly improve competitiveness in the short term.”
