HRI are introducing a further series of measures to improve field sizes, and therefore the competiveness of racing, following on from a number of successful initiatives earlier in the year. These included the payment of prize money being down to fifth place in all races, which has resulted in a significant increase in the number (up from 3606 to 4121) and percentage (up from 59% to 65%) of individual runners winning prize money so far this year compared to the same period in 2015.

Earlier in the year HRI extended the 10am declaration deadline for weight-for-age races with less than five declarations by 15 minutes, and the 12pm entry deadline will now also be extended by 45 minutes for any race with less than ten original entries. No withdrawal of an entry (including any new entries made after 12pm) may be made within this supplementary time period. In calculating the ten figure, a maximum of two entries per trainer will be counted, and HRI’s RAS system now displays the number of different trainers which have made entries for races. Trainers will be notified by RAS and via text message when any race is re-opened for additional entries.

Additionally following a request from the Trainers Association to review the ‘Summer Novice’ season, the time period has been extended and will now allow horses which win a hurdle or steeplechase for the first time after February 1st (rather than March 1st previously) to run in novice races until the Fairyhouse Winter Festival meeting in early December (previously this ended at the Super Sunday meeting at Tipperary in early October), other than if they win a Grade 1 race prior to the end of the Punchestown Festival. This change is expected to improve field sizes in maiden hurdles and beginners chases in the spring period and to enhance the competitiveness of Novice races during October and November.

Announcing these changes, HRI Director of Racing Jason Morris stated: ‘HRI are introducing these measures with the aim of attracting more runners in races which might have historically struggled with small entries and in attempt to improve field sizes at specific times of concern within the National Hunt season. HRI are always striving to improve the competitiveness of Irish racing, and it is pleasing to report that our average field sizes have increased in 2016, particularly in the second half of the year. In the four months since the start of July, average field sizes have improved under both codes, from 10.6 to 11.3 on the Flat and from 10.5 to 11.7 for National Hunt racing. It is hoped that these new measures will build on this momentum and see a continuation of this positive trend.’