Nine More UK Fixtures Announced

There will be nine more UK fixtures in June and July catering to horses rated in the 50s and high 40s, the British Horseracing Authority announced on Tuesday. Also emphasised during the new fixtures are novice races, with the updated British fixture list available here and an updated race programme through June 30 is available on the Racing Admin site. July's race programme will be published by early next week. The nine new fixtures are as follows:

• June 10 – Wolverhampton
• June 11 – Newbury
• June 15 – Kempton Park
• June 16 – Chelmsford City
• June 30 – Leicester
• July 2 – Catterick Bridge
• July 6 – Thirsk
• July 13 – Ayr
• July 14 – Ripon

“Both the Fixture List and race programme for the weeks and months ahead are constantly evolving, as we aim to provide as many chances to run as we can for all sectors of the horse population,” said BHA Head of Racign Paul Johnson. “With the Levy Board being asked to provide almost all of the funding for fixtures, we are currently limited to staging three fixtures on most days rather than the five or six we would normally schedule at this time of year.

“Competition for places in all races is expected and it is not possible at present to stage as many races as we would like, but we are trying to provide races as and where we can for horses and their owners who have stood by the sport despite the recent uncertainty.

“The possibility of adding further opportunities, including for Jump racing after its return in July, will be considered once there is greater clarity about the sport's income streams in the weeks ahead.”

Added HBLB Operations Manager Tom Byrne, “The three new fixtures next week are in recognition of the high level of immediate demand to run, which is a reflection of the loyalty and commitment of racehorse owners having kept their horses in training.

“We are therefore pleased to be able to provide the funding for these and for additional fixtures when no Irish racing is being staged. This funding is on top of our previously announced £15.7m for the first 10 weeks of racing and gives further opportunity to maximise the exposure of British Racing.”