British Horseracing Authority Sets Fixtures Policy for 2027

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) will publish the final fixtures list for 2027 in the coming days, anticipating around 1,440 days, 18 fewer than in 2026. This decision aims to balance the reduction in the equine population with the need to sustain the core revenues of the British racing sector, crucial for its growth and long-term viability.

How the Fixtures Policy for 2027 is Defined

Each year, BHA leaders agree on the fixtures policy, establishing the principles for the final distribution of racing days. In 2027, the discussion was particularly complex due to the continuous decline in the horse population since the pandemic, estimated at an annual decrease of between 1% and 2%. The main challenge was designing a calendar adaptable to the actual number of available horses, which helps stabilize and reverse this negative trend.

The policy must balance commercial criteria with the competitiveness and appeal of racing, but it also considers the operational capacity of participants and the workforce. Models were employed to predict the number of horses racing, cross-referencing them with financial projections: a substantial reduction in fixtures could mean a loss of several million pounds in media rights revenues and levy collection.

Volume of Fixtures and Its Financial Impact on British Racing

Although 18 fixtures are being reduced for 2027, the total number of scheduled races will remain similar to 2026. To achieve this, racetracks will redistribute races from postponed days within their own schedules, managing to reduce the number of six-race cards and generating operational efficiencies.

This financial equilibrium responds to the pressure on core revenues, also affected by a decline in betting turnover, partly attributed to new financial assessments and the migration of bettors to the black market. Cutting fixtures could have reduced prizes and disincentivized horse ownership and breeding, deepening the crisis further.

“We decided to prioritize support for prizes and the long-term growth agenda, largely maintaining the volume of races for 2027.” —Richard Wayman, Director of Racing for the BHA

Initiatives to Encourage Breeding, Ownership, and Training from 2027

As part of the 2027 package, several measures have already been presented to the Levy Board to stimulate breeding, ownership, training, and participation of horses in Great Britain. These proposals, developed with industry groups such as the High-Quality Horse Group, were submitted in July, and the Levy Board will make funding decisions in September. If successful, they will expand the impact of the £4.4 million additional funding that the Levy Board allocated in 2025, enhancing prize levels and boosting specific initiatives.

Recent incentives include:

• An increase of £3.2 million in prizes for development races in 2026
• The GBB scheme, which distributes nearly £6 million annually in bonuses
• The GB Pointing Bonus Scheme, which grants £25,000 to owners of British horses that win qualifying races under Rules
• The Go North series, which will raise prize money in its finals from £30,000 (2025) to £40,000 in 2026, £45,000 in 2027, and £50,000 in 2028
• The Training Fees Credit Scheme: credits for owners of winners or placed horses in Grade 1 races to aid training in Great Britain
• An additional £100,000 fund for the Elite NH Mares’ Scheme, increasing access to sires for high-quality broodmares

Evolution of Key Indicators

The number of Jump broodmares has increased from 150 to over 300 in a decade, supported by programmatic improvements. In flat racing, agreements with racetracks such as Ascot and York, along with the Levy Board, have improved prize money for flagship events, generating unique international participation and high levels of public engagement.

Sustainability, Investment, and Long-Term Vision

The package of measures seeks to achieve both short and long-term impacts: reinforcing the overall health of the sector, increasing returns for participants, and ensuring financial stability. The positive trend in attendance —six consecutive quarters of increase— reinforces the premise of a sport capable of attracting the public, but incentives in breeding, stables, and tracks are necessary.

If the Levy Board approves the proposals, mechanisms and timelines will be detailed shortly. The priority is to support the development of the sector at all levels.

Outlook for 2028 and Future Definition Process

No specific adjustments are anticipated for 2028 and beyond yet. Simon Cox, the incoming Chairman of the BHA, will drive a transition toward a multi-year planning model instead of the current annual fixtures process. The goal is to design a connected and integrated strategy, where the calendar, investments, and regulation mutually reinforce one another, supporting sustainability and growth in the long term.

The debate about reducing the volume of fixtures remains open, but the BHA chose to protect essential revenues and support ongoing incentives for breeding, ownership, and training in Great Britain. The sector is confident that coordinated efforts in innovation, prizes, and regulation will secure the competitive future of British racing.