The first of 11 in a series of staying races for maidens, developed between the British Horseracing Authority and the British European Breeders Fund, was won by Barford (Ire) (Big Bad Bob {Ire}) at Yarmouth Racecourse Wednesday. The series, restricted to progeny of staying stallions that won over 10 furlongs or farther with European Breeders Fund eligibility, was created in 2015 in response to a review by the BHA Flat Racing Committee following a lack of opportunities for staying types and to help meet a goal of further enhancing the stayers' program. All of the races will have a minimum fund of £10,000, with several offering purses of £12,000.
“As part of the ongoing project to encourage the breeding and buying of a greater number of future stayers, the BHA will seek to grow the number of races, over the next three to five years, for the progeny of either sires or dams who have won over a distance of 10 furlongs or more, with a small number of races being offered for those progeny who won over 12 furlongs or further,” said Ruth Quinn, Director of International Racing and Racing Development for the British Horseracing Authority. “These races should be viewed as an investment for the future and will hopefully act, as part of our wider package of enhancements for the stayer, as an incentive for people to invest in horses with certain bloodlines and which are more likely to demonstrate an aptitude for stamina. We are delighted that the British EBF is keen to extend its support for these races and to invest in the programme for future stayers.”
For the complete schedule of future stayers' maiden/novice programme, click here.
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