Forward thinking is the key to racing's prosperity

Last month saw the end of the winter all-weather season, with three fixtures held on Good Friday. Prize-money levels were exceptional at all three ARC tracks that staged the meetings, and in addition crowds appeared to be healthy.

At Bath, a series of low-grade races were run but crucially for very good prizes. They had over 400  horses entered and managed to attract huge fields as well as a bumper crowd, which I believe was a  record for the track. Whilst some of the races on finals day at Newcastle did not fill – a tweak to  qualifying conditions may be needed for next year – overall it was a day that showcased what can be achieved.

At the Lambourn Open Day, also staged on Good Friday, a number of local trainers who had runners  and winners at Bath were unanimous in their support for the racing that day, and the prizes that were on offer. It was not that long ago that the no racing on Good Friday was held sacrosanct by many in the country. Yet a few years on we have three meetings attracting sizable crowds, healthy field sizes and excellent prize-money. The Lambourn Open Day certainly did not suffer as attendance was amazing and by all accounts a record amount of money was raised for charity.

This example shows that the industry can make changes, which may at first appear unpalatable to some, and reap the benefits. As I mentioned last month, we are fast approaching the first real test of the new governance structure. The background noise of nervousness from certain racecourses and media companies has finally broken cover. Media coverage of dissenting voices willno doubt increase as we edge closer to making some key decisions on 2024 fixtures.

I recently read a quote saying that the BHA is the sport’s regulator and should keep their noses out of the commercial aspects of the industry; well, I am afraid that horse has well and truly bolted following the changes made last year and the establishment of the Commercial Committee. Steady nerves and clear thinking will be needed at BHA Board level to land these changes without causing too much discord amongst some of those impacted.

The Grand National proved to be a focal point for those looking to disrupt and eventually close down our sport. Whilst the race itself was quite a difficult watch, it remains the spectacle that inspires the nation to get involved. Last year the price of the winner ensured it was a ‘levy-saving’ event and this year, despite a relatively short-priced favourite triumphing, it still produced a great boost to the levy.

Aintree’s showpiece race is an event that moves coverage of the sport from the back pages to the front of the national newspapers. We must continue to stand up for the National Hunt game, engage with those who misunderstand or misrepresent the issues involved, and make sure we do not lose the great race for future generations.

With the first Classics upon us, it is interesting to see the changes to some of the ownership groups now inhabiting the sport. From syndicates with live contenders to emerging powerhouses, the landscape continues to shift. We have seen in the jumps arena the emergence of new owners with powerful strings and the same is now happening on the Flat. This has to be good news for the sport of horseracing, albeit the stalwart large Flat owner- breeders remain and will surely dominate the Classics once more. 

Personally, owning a very small share in a possible Classic contender has led to hours of fun this Spring, with plans being hatched and routes mapped out. Whilst the dream remains alive there is nothing quite like it – long may the bubble remain intact, and long may the new strategy work continue to unite the industry and drive the sport forward.