The Category One and Category Two events scheduled for 2024 show few major surprises compared to this year – two fewer events – though the Board have brought at end to imaginatve use of ‘trialstakes’ to circumvent the 36 runner limit for the majority of major events.
Hove’s taking over the Grand National was flagged up a while ago and there have been a few movements around the calendar which can be viewed here.
GBGB Racing operations executive Scott Harvey said: “Owners and trainers all dream of a moment in the spotlight and should be given every chance to achieve it, which is why each month will feature a Cat One Puppy competition to maximise opportunity, excluding June when the Greyhound Derby takes centre stage.
“The maximum added prize money threshold for Cat Two competitions is also set to increase in 2024 to £15,999 allowing promoters to pay more out in the qualifying stages, should they choose to do so.”
Harvey also confirmed that while permitted as a build up to any Cat One event, trial stakes will no longer form part of a competition’s conditions of entry from next year. All events excluding the Classics will remain three rounds.
Next year’s open race schedule comprises a total of 57 Cat One events including the TV Trophy, the tender process for which is about to get underway after reaching the end of Entain’s two-year award.
The sport’s schedule in 2024 will again feature a number of Super Saturdays, and Sundays, giving racegoers the chance to get up close to the big race action to maximise attendance. Many of the Cat One finals will take place at the weekend, including the Derby at Towcester, and the St Leger and Oaks at Perry Barr.
Harvey added: “Getting a Category One list as structured and as varied as this out now adds a level of reassurance and this has been made possible by tracks and promoters working in collaboration.
“Even our friends in Ireland have taken a keener interest in UK racing this year and we have seen an increase in trainers coming over to compete in Cat One events, outside of the Derby. We expect that to continue in 2024.
“We think the schedule offers a comprehensive programme and if next year’s open race action is half as good as this year’s, we should be okay.”
