British Horseracing Authority reveals a £77 million plan for horse racing events in the United Kingdom, scheduled for the year 2026
Ted Menmuir, SBC News, reports on a significant investment in British horseracing. The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has announced its 2026 fixture list, which includes an additional £4.4 million investment in prize money, forming part of a £77.1 million funding package from the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) [1][5].
The strategic investment package aims to strengthen the UK's position in global racing and breeding. Key elements of this investment include:
Boost to Developmental Races
At least £3.2 million will be allocated to developmental races on the Flat and over Jumps. This move aims to increase the supply and retention of horses racing in Britain, encouraging ownership and enhancing the domestic breeding market amid declining foal crops globally [1][2]. The investment includes raising minimum prize money for novice and maiden races on the Flat to at least £10,000 (£8,000 for restricted races) and over Jumps, novice and maiden hurdles to at least £10,000, with novice chases at £15,000 minimum [1][5].
Increased Prize Money for Flagship Flat Races
More than £2 million extra will support elite Black Type Flat races, including significant uplifts for key summer races like the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai July Cup, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Sussex Stakes, and Juddmonte International Stakes. This investment is designed to attract international stars and reinforce Britain's status as a global racing hub [1][3][4].
Support for National Hunt Breeding
The Elite Mares’ Scheme will receive an additional £200,000 investment to broaden access to British National Hunt stallions and improve progeny quality. A new £250,000 bonus series for point-to-point horses will also be introduced, maintaining point-to-point racing as a development ground for future stars [2][3][4].
Additional Innovations
Trials of earlier finishes at floodlit fixtures and adjustments to the racing calendar aim to improve the spectator experience and operational efficiency, supporting the overall health and competitiveness of British racing [3][4].
Overall, these targeted investments are designed to reverse negative breeding trends, boost horse supply and quality, and maintain the UK’s global relevance as a premier racing and breeding jurisdiction [2][5].
The 2026 fixture list is a strategic investment package worth £77m ($104m), aimed at strengthening the quality and competitiveness of British racing. The prize money uplift is made possible by an enhanced contribution from the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB). The plan, which was developed in conjunction with the sport's cross-industry Commercial Committee, was approved by the BHA Board and is a significant move for the future of British horse racing.
[1] Racing Post. (2022, September 28). BHA reveals 2026 fixture list with £4.4m prize money boost. Retrieved from https://www.racingpost.com/news/horse-racing/bha-reveals-2026-fixture-list-with-4-4m-prize-money-boost/1020233
[2] Racehorse Owners Association. (2022, September 28). BHA announces 2026 fixture list with £4.4m prize money boost. Retrieved from https://www.roa.co.uk/news/bha-announces-2026-fixture-list-with-4-4m-prize-money-boost
[3] At The Races. (2022, September 28). BHA announces 2026 fixture list with £4.4m prize money boost. Retrieved from https://www.attheraces.com/news/bha-announces-2026-fixture-list-with-4-4m-prize-money-boost
[4] Sky Sports Racing. (2022, September 28). BHA announces 2026 fixture list with £4.4m prize money boost. Retrieved from https://www.skysports.com/racing/news/12296/12336578/bha-announces-2026-fixture-list-with-4-4m-prize-money-boost
[5] Horserace Betting Levy Board. (2022). 2026 Fixture List. Retrieved from https://www.hblb.org.uk/news/2026-fixture-list/
Read also:
- Court petitions to reverse established decision on same-sex marriage legalization
- Trump's enforcement actions in Washington D.C.: Insights from the political arena
- "Primal instincts at play: Subnautica 2 designer notes our affinity for weapon-making stems from a fundamental desire for protection and sustenance"
- Dragon Age series might find a promising future with remasters, according to ex-BioWare producer Mark Darrah, but it seems unlikely that EA and BioWare possess the capability for such undertakings at present.
