Stayers
The TBA continues to work with a number of industry stakeholders on changes to the race programme to accommodate and encourage specific segments of the breed including stayers and fillies. Read below to find out more about current and past TBA schemes.
Stayers
Background
The staying horse is part of British Racing’s heritage, however over the past 20 years a shift in commercial breeding patterns and reactive changes to the racing programme have contributed to a decline in the staying division.
In 2015 the TBA commissioned a review into the racing and breeding programmes of the stayer in Britain and following on from the report, commenced a long-term project with the BHA to revitalise the race programme for staying horses.
What changes have been made to the race programme since the report?
Since 2015, several improvements have been made to the race programme including:
For two-year olds
- Increase in the number of 2yo novice/maiden races staged over 10f
- Introduction of a programme of novice/maiden races purely for the progeny of a sire or dam who have won over a distance >10 furlongs.
- Reintroduction of the 10f Group 3 Zetland stakes at Newmarket in October for £40,000
- Introduction of a new 10f 2yo conditions stakes at Chelmsford in November for £15,000
- New 10f sire/dam restricted nursery at Newmarket in October for £40,000
For three-year-olds
- Eight Class 2 14f 3yo handicaps in 2018 for £50,000
- A programme of Class 3 and 4 14f 3yo handicaps for £30,000 and £15,0000
- 13f+ 3yo conditions stakes at Newbury in October
- A programme of 12f 3yo/3yo+ maiden/novice races.
For fillies
- A specific programme of 13f+ fillies’ handicaps from June onwards.
- A number of pattern and listed race upgrades e.g. the Goodwood Cup being upgraded to a Group 1.
What other initiatives have been introduced?
A number of other initiatives have been introduced including several listed/pattern staying race upgrades, prize money increases and the Weatherbys Hamilton Stayers’ Million bonus.