Other Sports

Fewer fixtures for 2020 and raft of measures introduced to help sport’s members

British racing’s fixture list is to be reduced for the first time in many years, it was revealed on Thursday, when the BHA also announced several other measures designed to improve the sport’s finances and health of its participants.

The 2020 fixture list will contain 1,491 meetings, down from 1,511 programmed this year, and the first reduction since 2012, when the 1,456 fixtures was a dip on 1,480 the previous year.

The mental wellbeing of the industry’s participants has come under the spotlight this week with Doncaster clerk of the course Roderick Duncan among those to speak out about the relentless nature of the racing calendar, and changes will be adopted for 2020 in a bid to ease the burden.

Among the changes will be an extension and to the blank days at the Christmas period, with a four-day gap beginning on December 22. Jump jockeys will also benefit from a longer holiday in August, with their break stretched out to 12 days from nine.
As well as taking into consideration mental health and wellbeing, the 2020 fixture list has been devised in order to better meet the betting public’s demands.

Data modelling suggests a reduction of fixtures will help increase field sizes and each-way returns, important factors not only for the betting product, but also when the sport is facing declining income streams from the Levy and media rights.

None of the contributing factors were given more weight than the others, but coming to a conclusion on the number of fixtures was not a universal decision, with the leaders of the BHA, Racecourse Association and Horsemen’s Group unable to reach a consensus. As a result the process required the BHA Board to reach a decision, which it did on Wednesday.

Richard Way man, chief operating officer for the BHA, said:” We are grateful for the efforts of all those involved in continuing to develop the fixture list so that it best serves the longer-term interests of the sport and it is pleasing that a number of new initiatives have been agreed for next year.

“Discussions around fixture volume are often challenging, particularly so when prize money levels are under pressure. In reaching its decision, the Board sought to balance income considerations with the longer-term outlook for the sport, its customers and all those employed in racing.”

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Young Shuttlers Ayush Shetty, Unnati Hooda Storm Into Taipei Open Quarterfinals

India's emerging badminton stars Ayush Shetty and Unnati Hooda continued their impressive runs at the… Read More

May 9, 2025

IPL 2025 Faces Suspension Amid Escalating India-Pakistan Tensions

The 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is on the brink of suspension… Read More

May 9, 2025

Lalrindika Replaces Yadwad in India’s Provisional Squad for June Internationals

Edmund Lalrindika has been called up to replace the medically sidelined Irfan Yadwad in India’s… Read More

May 9, 2025

Ange Postecoglou slams critics, says people ‘fear’ Spurs might win Europa League

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou has lashed out at the club’s critics after they… Read More

May 9, 2025

Carlos Alcaraz gives injury update ahead of Italian Open

Carlos Alcaraz has revealed that he is good to go at the Italian Open and… Read More

May 9, 2025

Man City forward Erling Haaland blames lack of ‘hunger’ for poor season

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland feels the lack of hunger led to their poor season.… Read More

May 9, 2025