Flat Race Planning changes for early 2023

07 December 2022

With the recent publication of the first four months of the Flat Race Programme, Owners should be aware of the following race-planning interventions and changes:

A reduced Class 2 and 3 Handicap programme in response to smaller field sizes in winter 2021/22, with the remaining Class 2 and 3 Handicaps being run for a higher value.
An increased number of Restricted Maiden and Novice races and, therefore, a reduced proportion of open races, as agreed with the NTF.
The Winter Derby Trial (Class 1) (Listed Race) has been removed from the programme.
A new Listed race for 4yo and up over one mile added. The Tandridge Stakes (Class 1) (Listed Race) will be staged at Lingfield Park on Saturday, 4 February, 2023.
Furthermore, the European Free Handicap (Class 1) (Listed Race) and the King Richard III (Class 1) (Listed Race) will not be staged in 2023.
A consolidated handicap programme for 3yos will encompass the following: no races above Class 4 (66-85) over 5f, 7f and 10f; a more comprehensive programme for 3yos at 6f and 1m. Again, this is in response to field sizes in the winter of 2021/22. As in previous seasons, the handicap programme over 11f+ is minimal, but can be boosted in response to trainer requests. As ever, anyone unable to find a suitable opportunity should contact the Racing Department via the Trainer Forum on Racing Admin.
Once again, Wolverhampton will stage a fixture on 18 March, which is restricted to jockeys who rode no more than 30 winners in Great Britain in 2022.