BHA Finalises 2027 Fixture List Policy as Horse Numbers Decline

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is set to publish its 2027 fixture list, confirming around 1,440 fixtures—a reduction of 18 from 2026—while maintaining nearly the same number of programmed races. The decision balances mounting concerns over a falling horse population, industry sustainability, and the need to preserve essential revenues from media rights and the levy.

Fixture List Policy Decisions for 2027

Compiling the fixture list is the BHA Racing department’s most critical annual task. For 2027, the process was unusually challenging, given that Britain’s horse population has decreased by 1-2% annually since the pandemic. The central questions for the BHA were: what size of fixture programme is realistically sustainable, and how can that structure support broader objectives—stemming further population decline and fueling growth initiatives in British racing?

After debate among stakeholders, the BHA Board concluded that retaining a similar volume of races was preferable to a deeper cut in fixtures. In total, 2027 will see approximately 1,440 meetings—18 fewer than the year prior—but total races will remain steady because racecourses have reallocated withdrawn fixtures’ races into their existing schedules. This reduces the number of 6-race cards, potentially increases efficiency, and provides some operational flexibility for participants and organisers.

Commercial Realities: Betting and Revenue

The fixture volume is inextricably tied to British racing’s main income streams: media rights and the statutory levy. Financial modelling showed that a significant reduction in fixtures or races would strip millions of pounds from these sources, at a time when they are under pressure from declining betting turnover. This decline is partly attributed to the introduction of financial risk assessments for bettors and subsequent migration to unlicensed gambling options—a key concern for regulators.

Maintaining fixture volume helps sustain prize money and remains vital for programmes aimed at reviving racehorse ownership. The BHA acknowledges contrasting views. Some argue for cutbacks to protect field sizes and product appeal. Others advocate prioritising income to safeguard the pipeline of owners and trainers, especially during periods when field sizes face pressure.

"The BHA Board concluded that the sport’s interests would be best served by seeking to support prize money and our long-term growth agenda, meaning, therefore, the volume of racing would remain largely unchanged in 2027." —Richard Wayman, BHA Director of Racing

Incentives, Schemes, and Industry Investment Under the 2027 Policy

The 2027 fixture strategy arrives alongside a range of regulatory and financial initiatives designed to support British racing’s core ecosystem: breeding, ownership, and training. For 2027, the BHA and sport stakeholders—such as the High-Quality Horse Group—have put forward further proposals to the Horserace Betting Levy Board. If approved, these measures would expand on prior investments and be funded by the main revenue streams that are protected by maintaining race volume.

Recent and ongoing incentive schemes include:

• Developmental prize money increases: Introduced in 2026 with a £3.2 million boost, raising the purse for development races to levels competitive with major international rivals.
• GBB bonus: Paying out nearly £6 million annually in bonuses to owners of eligible British-bred horses, improving early owner returns.
• GB Pointing Bonus Scheme: Launched in November, provides a £25,000 bonus to owners of British-bred horses trained and racing under Rules after success in eligible races.
• Go North Series: Finals for these jump races had minimum values increased from £30,000 (2025) to £40,000 (2026), with targets of £45,000 in 2027 and £50,000 by 2028.
• Training Fees Credit Scheme: Credits for owners of successful Grade 1 horse placed towards placing a new horse in training in Britain, aiming to bolster jumps racing quality.
• Elite NH Mares’ Scheme: The 2026 boosting of this programme added £100,000 for grants, widening the pool of high-quality National Hunt broodmares from 150 a decade ago to more than 300 today.
• International race investment partnerships: Joint funding with racecourses (Ascot, Jockey Club, Goodwood, York) to boost purses for major summer races, encouraging more global participation and audience engagement.

Longer-Term Strategy and Governance Outlook

While the 2027 policy preserves race volume, the BHA signals a probable shift for future years. Incoming Chair Simon Cox is leading a move toward longer-term, multi-year fixture planning—moving beyond the traditional annual approach. Specifics for 2028 and beyond remain under review, but broader support appears likely among industry parties.

Subject to Levy Board’s approval, the BHA expects to announce further details on the 2027 incentive package in the coming weeks. The long-term vision remains clear: a thriving racing sector, underpinned by financial stability and robust investment. Six consecutive quarters of spectator attendance growth reinforce public engagement, but sustainable supply—both in horses on the ground and quality on the track—requires continued commitment to schemes that deliver both immediate and future returns.

"Our vision is for a thriving, growing sport. We have already seen six consecutive quarters of attendance increases which shows that our sport is capable of capturing the public interest." —Richard Wayman, BHA Director of Racing

Ongoing Work and Next Steps for British Racing

The fixture list’s publication will not end industry debate. The BHA recognises that some participants favoured a more radical response to declining horse numbers, while others prioritise immediate financial health. The 2027 plan aims to strike a delicate compromise, emphasising prize money maintenance and new incentive schemes as foundations for long-term growth.

A full account of the autumn 2027 incentive and support packages—including implementation details and eligibility—will follow pending the Levy Board’s decision. The BHA underscores that achieving and sustaining growth in British racing requires a stable fixture base, targeted investment, and industry consensus, all facilitated by the current fixture policy.