SBC News HBLB funds additional fixtures as racing returns

HBLB funds additional fixtures as racing returns

The Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) is due to fund nine additional racing fixtures across June and July, in recognition of the ‘high level of immediate demand to run’.

With Scotland and Wales resuming racing later this month, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has revised its current racing programme to include race meetings at Scottish and Welsh courses.

Tom Byrne, HBLB Operations Manager, said: “The three new fixtures next week are in recognition of the high level of immediate demand to run, which is a reflection of the loyalty and commitment of racehorse owners having kept their horses in training.

“We are therefore pleased to be able to provide the funding for these and for additional fixtures when no Irish racing is being staged. This funding is on top of our previously announced £15.7m for the first ten weeks of racing and gives further opportunity to maximise the exposure of British Racing.”

The additional fixtures will also give inexperienced studs the chance to run, with the inclusion of more novice meetings. The BHA confirmed that its race schedule for July will be published by early next week.

Paul Johnson, Head of Racing at the BHA, added: “Both the Fixture List and race programme for the weeks and months ahead are constantly evolving, as we aim to provide as many chances to run as we can for all sectors of the horse population.

“With the Levy Board being asked to provide almost all of the funding for fixtures, we are currently limited to staging three fixtures on most days rather than the five or six we would normally schedule at this time of year.

”Competition for places in all races is expected and it is not possible at present to stage as many races as we would like, but we are trying to provide races as and where we can for horses and their owners who have stood by the sport despite the recent uncertainty.

“The possibility of adding further opportunities, including for Jump racing after its return in July, will be considered once there is greater clarity about the sport’s income streams in the weeks ahead.”

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