The British Horseracing Authority has released the fixtures for next year this week and announced an increase to the minimum race values. However, they have also stated that whilst the number of meetings will be the same, fewer races will be held on Saturday, ignoring calls from critics who call for fewer races over the year.
The British Horseracing Authority on Wednesday confirmed that the prize money for Group One Flat races would be raised by £50,000, and top-level races over fences would also be increased, with Grade One over hurdles races increasing by £25,000.
Races lower down the pyramid would also increase with an extra £35,000 added to the prize pot for Grade One novice chases. Grade One novice hurdles will also see £20,000 extra per race.
The lowest ranked races will also benefit, with class four races seeing a boost of £700 for both Flat and jump racing. However, the current scheme which pays appearance money will be scrapped with prize money for these races increased by £700.
The chief operating officer of the British Horseracing Authority, Richard Wayman, said: “At a time when the sport is facing a number of challenges, it is particularly important that industry agreement has been reached on raising minimum prize money values.
“Owners have always been incredibly loyal in their support of British racing, but we are experiencing a significant growth in the number of higher-rated horses being sold overseas and, over jumps, an increasing number of the best horses being based elsewhere.
“Total prize money will reach record levels this year but, as we enter the yearling sales season, when many owners are making their plans for next year, it is vital that we have been able to announce further steps forward in the guise of increased minimum values for 2023.”
However, despite concerns in the industry regarding the number of races run each season, the BHA confirmed that 1,478 meetings are currently planned.
Wayman acknowledged there was concern over the schedule and emphasised that work was still taking place in the background.
Wayman added: “Although the 2023 fixture list includes a number of initiatives, it is similar in size and shape to previous years.
“With work on the Industry Strategy under way, a key area of focus is to ensure that future fixture lists can help grow the appeal of racing to our customers, both existing and new.
“This will involve delivering a consistently attractive and competitive sport to racegoers, bettors and general racing fans, whilst, of course, taking account of the impact on those who service the fixture list and make it all happen.
“All of that will require change and the strategic work provides the ideal platform to set our future direction.”
Neil Callan said of the changes: “Increase in prize money is the main focus, which is still abysmal, but hiding and not mentioning the fact the actual fixtures are way too high again is just laughable.”
