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BHB
sets out case for race changes9/11/2004
Racing's rulers have underlined the importance of putting on competitive events in the face of criticism from owners and trainers over the new novice chasing programme.
They also gave an update on possible changes that could be made as a result of feedback on the controversial new Flat racing handicap bands.
British Horseracing Board chief executive Greg Nichols insisted the sport must adapt to face commercial pressures if it is to continue to prosper.
But he claimed his organisation was neither "belligerent" nor "intransigent" over the controversial changes.
Nichols was speaking at a media briefing given by the BHB in response to complaints that alterations to the programme book had done more harm than good.
" The diversification of the bookmakers' product and the diminishing market share of horse racing makes commercial improvements to racing even more urgent," said Nichols.
" We can no longer tolerate walkovers, or two or three-runner races. Nor should we tolerate 24-runner maidens when the owners of 21 horses go home unhappy and without any money.
" It is commercially imperative for racecourses to put on competitive racing, not least because the BAGS deal maximises income for courses who stage races with eight runners or more.
" There are fault lines in the current structure. In October we had a considerable uplift in the balloting-out of horses and we admit it is unacceptable that horses with a Flat rating of between 60 and 80 - horses rated higher than the median - are being regularly balloted out.
" But it is equally unacceptable that commercial principles are not being allowed to modernise racing and drive it forward."
