premierisation: only time will tell.

​I am caught between a feather-bed and the floorboards about my feelings towards the B.H.A.’s much-vaunted plans for the premierisation of weekend racing. I want it to work and provide all the benefits the B.H.A. aspire to, while fearing the consequences of it failing or even if it succeeds. After all, the B.H.A. do not have a good record when it comes the radical changes it promotes.
I am pleased the Sunday has been included in the scheme, though I think more could have been achieved if terrestrial television was included in the Sunday package, with the ‘Sunday Series’ elevated to an afternoon slot, perhaps. The six Sunday evening slots I abhor, even if the Stable Staff boss has given it his blessing, though if he had to get out of bed pre-dawn the following day, he might not be quite so enthusiastic. 
Fixtures during the ‘golden slot’ between 2pm and 4 pm will undoubtedly benefit from larger amounts of prize-money, though I.T.V. do a pretty good job showcasing the best races already and if the idea is to engage with a new audience, long build-ups before off-time will more likely drive people away than engross them with the intrigue of it all. The lure and excitement of racing is the racing, not the chatter of ‘experts’.
Will it improve revenue for the sport? Only time will tell, though it is worrying that computer modelling has been channelled to formulate the B.H.A.’s aspiration and hopeful promises.
Though it might be of help, given the huge prize-money on offer at the countries that regularly gobble-up many of our above-average flat horses, I am sceptical it will reverse to a meaningful extent horses sold to race abroad.
The hope that juggling the times certain race-meetings start and end will ‘transform’ the sport will no doubt will prove correct, though whether that transformation will be to the sport’s benefit or loss is a matter only time will inform us.
Why the B.H.A. went for a 2-year trial when the Levy Board have only guaranteed an increase in funding, £3.2-million, for 2024 is a little baffling? It can be compared to riding on the gallops without a helmet.
There are good ideas announced by the B.H.A., it has to be admitted. The creation of breaks for jockeys riding under both codes is to be applauded, even if moaning Tom Marquard will doubtless object to being forced to take some down-time. For the mental well-being and general health of jockeys there should be more not less days when only one code of the sport is in action. I was also pleased to see geographical breaks are to be included, though how this can be policed is rather vague. Does this mean a jockey or trainer based in the south will not be allowed to travel north or vice-versa? Rider-restricted race-meetings I have advocated for years as this will allow the less-lauded jockeys an opportunity to earn a better standard of living and hence will be a boost to the integrity of the sport.
Computer-generated estimates that premierisation might improve by £90-million should be taken with a grain of salt. Computer-modelling proved worse than useless during the ‘pandemic’ as what you get out of a computer is only a reflection of the figures you insert into it. Might be £90-million, might be more, might be less. Again, only time will tell.
Premierisation will only attract new customers if a concerted effort is made to make a day at the races value for money, with the removal of all dress-codes and allowing people to wander where they please without the need for the correct badge, with the exception of the racecourse, obviously.
Premierisation will not be a success if Ascot, Newmarket, Cheltenham, etc, thrive, whilst Beverley, Thirsk, Taunton, etc, perish. Premierisation must serve and develop the whole of the sport equally or all of the B.H.A.’s aims and aspirations will go up in smoke. I remain to be convinced by this ‘transformation’ of the sport and will keep my fingers crossed my scepticism will be proved misplaced.
On This Day:
In 1837, jockey Thomas Lye won the first race at Northallerton having won 2-races at Edinburgh the day before.
In 1920, U.S. superstar racehorse, Man O’War won his 21st and final race at Kenilworth Park
In 1982, Chaplin’s Club won the first of his 24 wins at Folkestone, ridden by John Reid.
In 1989, Peter Scudamore rode his 50th winner of the season at Wincanton, the fastest fifty winners at the time.
In 1992, the Princess Royal officially opened J.P. McManus’ Jackdaw’s Castle, the £1.8 million training complex then used by David Nicholson and now home to Jonjo O’Neill.