RCA Statement on Declaration of Zero Runners for 7th Race at Newbury on Saturday 16th July
The RCA was extremely disappointed to note that no declarations had been made for the final contest at Newbury’s Super Sprint Day on Saturday 16th July, which in total will see over £400,000 of prize money on offer. It appears unlikely that ten different stables could find reasons to withdraw their 13 horses for any reason other than to disrupt the raceday. This reflects poorly on British racing to our customers, participants and sponsors.
All major stakeholders are committed to British racing’s governance review and we have already seen evidence of the positive co-operation this can foster. Incidents such as this risk placing this co-operation, and future progress, in serious jeopardy.
Racecourses, via the RCA, are engaged in constant dialogue with colleagues in the Thoroughbred Group and BHA to develop a dynamic racing programme at all levels of the sport. An anticipated record prize money total of more than £170m in 2022, which will include a significant level of executive contribution from racecourses, serves as evidence of this commitment.
