ITV Racing commentator Richard Hoiles has joined a chorus of small-scale owners and trainers in condemning a new British Horseracing Authority incentive scheme, branding it as "money to money." The initiative, announced on the eve of the Cheltenham Festival, aims to address a decline in top jumpers trained in Britain by offering financial rewards to owners of Grade 1 winners.
BHA Scheme Details and Criticism
The BHA's scheme provides £20,000 in credit towards the training fees of a new British-trained horse for owners who win a Grade 1 chase or hurdle race during March and April, with runners-up receiving £10,000. Funded by the Levy Board with £760,000 and backed by the Racehorse Owners Association and National Trainers’ Federation, the goal is to incentivise more high-quality horses to be developed in Britain. However, critics argue it unfairly benefits wealthy owners.
Irish Dominance and British Response
Since the introduction of the Britain vs Ireland Prestbury Cup in 2014, Irish-trained horses have dominated the Cheltenham Festival, winning the most races in nine of the last ten years. This has led some prominent British owners to train jumps horses in Ireland. The BHA's scheme is a direct response to this trend, but it has sparked backlash for targeting already affluent participants.
Voices of Dissent from the Racing Community
Richard Hoiles expressed his disapproval on social media, suggesting incentives should target breeders, first purchasers, or trainers instead. He stated, "This is money going to money surely." Trainer Jo Davis echoed this sentiment, calling it "a kick in the teeth for all the small owners and trainers."
Owner Brian Martin highlighted the disparity, noting, "Imagine not being a millionaire and getting your training fees paid for. That would mean a huge amount to them. Without even looking I’d guess at least 90% of these winning owners will already be millionaires so will be meaningless to them."
Further Criticisms from Owners and Trainers
Other voices in the racing community joined the critique. Owner Ady Walton remarked, "WOW! who thinks these thing up!!! I'm sure grade 1 owners don't really need this incentive, what about us class 6 owners who prop the sport up every day but are struggling to keep going and dropping like flies!"
Trainer Ben Clarke added, "Who on earth is coming up with these ideas? Clearly can’t be anyone who understands what is needed in the sport. Staggering." Luke Dace and Grace Harris also voiced their frustrations, with Harris calling it "the most bizarre scheme to be introduced" and emphasising that grassroots owners need more support.
BHA's Stance and Broader Implications
The BHA defended the scheme, stating it aims to enhance domestic competition for British fans and betting customers worldwide. However, the criticism underscores a growing divide in the sport, with small-scale participants feeling overlooked in favour of wealthy elites like billionaire JP McManus, who is eligible for the credits. This controversy highlights ongoing challenges in balancing incentives to boost British racing while supporting its grassroots foundation.
