BHA moves to address small fields
In the region of 70 races on an artificial surface will be scrapped between January and March, a “pinch-point” for small-field races at all-weather fixtures.
This will be offset by the nine additional all-weather twilight fixtures which have been added to the programme between September and October when field sizes are generally healthier.
Around 100 races over jumps are also set to be removed, with approximately 80 of these being over fences.
The chase programme has expanded by over 100 races since 2008, but in the same period the total number of runners over fences has decreased by over 1,000.
The majority of jumps races will be removed between September and November and January and March.
There will also be a general restriction on the number of races per fixture, meaning all meetings must now consist of no more than seven races, apart from when a division of a particular race is appropriate.
The BHA has also announced a three-month trial from January to March on the all-weather of removing at declarations stage any races which attract four or fewer declarations.
Arena Racing runs 15 British racecourse and managing director Tony Kelly is concerned about the economic impact the programme cuts may have.
Kelly said: “The BHA has chosen to focus on shrinking the size of British racing, regardless of the economic impact on the sport.
“Using research by Deloitte, the BHA’s own analysis has made clear that cutting races will cost British racing over £4million per annum (based on 300 lost races) through lost levy, commercial and media rights income.
“There remains no credible explanation from the BHA, or plan in place, to recover this lost income, even in the medium term.
The National Trainers Federation also voiced concerns, particularly in relation to the possible removal of races at declaration stage.
