Extension to 48-hour declarations approved

There is to be an extension of the 48-hour declaration stage for all Flat Heritage Handicaps and all Group Races and major jumping Handicaps in England from next year it has been announced.

The British Horseracing Board approved the recommendation of the Racing Review Committee that the move should go ahead.

They also requested that representatives of racecourses, trainers and owners set up a sub-group to consider the feasibility of further expansion of 48-hour declarations.

This sub-group should complete its report by the end of September 2003 for consideration by the Board at their October meeting.

Executives at live racing broadcaster attheraces have been pushing the idea of 48-hour declarations across the board due to the promise of increased revenue from selling pictures of British racing abroad.

Officials of attheraces are believed to be making a statemrent later today although it is believed they are unhappy with the decision.