THERE will be 1,440 fixtures in Britain next year, virtually the same as this year, despite an acknowledgment from the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) that many industry stakeholders want to see a significant reduction with more emphasis on quality and better prize money.

BHA director Richard Wayman said: “We already know that different parties across the sport have a different view on whether the 2027 fixture list should have been cut.

“Primarily with customers in mind, some have argued for a contraction even though that would mean less money coming into the sport, at least in the immediate term. Others, meanwhile, believe that we should prioritise income levels, and therefore prize money, to avoid a further decline in racehorse ownership, even though that means field sizes are likely to remain under pressure at times of the year,

“In the end and after considerable debate, 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.”

In response to the publication of the fixture list, the Professional Jockeys Association said in a statement: “The PJA, our board and our members are somewhat surprised at the BHA board’s decision to agree no material change to the 2027 fixture list.

“It is a risky strategy considering the declining broodmare band and foal crop, staff retention issues and the continuous strain on participants and others that results from servicing the relentless nature of the fixture list. Whilst we disagree with the board’s decision, we respect their right to take it and hope it is a decision that is proven to be the correct one.

“The PJA has said repeatedly when it comes to the fixture list that we can’t keep doing the same thing and expecting different results. We do therefore welcome the fact that proposals are being put before the Horserace Betting Levy Board for a package of measures which, if approved, will provide further, meaningful incentives for the breeding, training, and owning of horses in Britain.

“The process of creating the fixture list is not an easy one. We appreciate the hard work of the BHA’s race planning team and will continue to play an active and constructive role in trying to positively address the issues we face.”

In a break with tradition, the British flat turf season in 2027 will start at Bath rather than Doncaster. Bath will host turf racing on Good Friday, March 26th, with the two-day Lincoln meeting at Doncaster starting on April 3rd.

The latter comes just before Aintree’s three-day Grand National Festival beginning on April 8th. Cheltenham runs from March 16th-19th and Royal Ascot opens on June 15th.