The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) recently announced the fixture list for 2025, with a total of 1,460 scheduled fixtures. This marks a slight decrease from the previous year, with eight courses suspending one fixture to add races to existing cards. The goal of these initiatives is to enhance the sport’s appeal and competitiveness.
One of the key innovations introduced is the Premier racedays, which will total 162 in 2025. While this is a decrease from the previous year, efforts are being made to increase prize-money for these events by ten percent. In addition, there will be six new top-tier fixtures scheduled for Sundays next year.
Richard Wayman, the BHA’s director of racing, emphasized the importance of enhancing prize-money for Premier racing to retain high-quality horses in the country. The criteria for granting Premier status to racecourses have been raised, with minimum prize-money requirements set for both Flat and jumps racing events.
Looking ahead, Wayman highlighted the need to focus on the 2026 fixture list and build on the lessons learned during the two-year trial period. He emphasized the importance of listening to customer feedback and data to shape the future of British horseracing.
However, Dale Gibson, the Professional Jockeys Association racing director, expressed concerns about the lack of significant changes in the fixture list. While he welcomed some improvements, Gibson warned that maintaining the status quo is unsustainable and unlikely to improve the sport’s fortunes.
Overall, the 2025 fixture list aims to balance tradition with innovation, with a focus on enhancing competitiveness and appeal. As the sport continues to evolve, stakeholders will need to collaborate and make informed decisions to ensure the future success of British horseracing.