The GBGB announced today that it is planning to schedule more Category One competitions next year by reclassifying the number of rounds from four to three.
With an expected uplift in open racing and new events next year following Oxford’s reopening, the Open Race Planning Committee has carried out an extensive scheduling review to create more opportunity for trainers and owners, alleviate increasing pressure on the calendar and better manage potential clashes.
By introducing a three-round limit, it will now be possible to incorporate an additional four new competitions, raising the number of Category Ones to a minimum of 15 in a racing category, compared to the 11 four-round events staged this year.
Racing Operations Executive Scott Harvey said: “We recognise that there is likely to be a further increase in open race competitions next year. The current calendar is highly congested, and we do not believe that we can adequately accommodate these new events without impacting on the quality of existing competitions.
“Therefore, to allow us to facilitate additional events, we are reclassifying all Category One competitions in 2023 to a maximum of three rounds, excluding the Classics, the long-standing East Anglian Derby and the Produce Stakes.
“While fully aware that some track promoters are keen to extend existing three-round events, it is not possible to do so and support the volume of competitions that are being requested. We have done our best to find a solution which accommodates everyone and helps decongest the calendar.”
The GBGB is asking all tracks to submit details for both ‘established events’ (i.e. those that took place at the track this year), and any ‘new events’. These will be organised into a cohesive schedule with the aim of publishing a calendar for 2023 by mid-November.
Harvey added: “Alongside challenges come opportunities, and we must do all we can to facilitate new competitions and sponsorship, allowing more money to flow into the sport and maximise opportunities for owners and trainers. Getting a full calendar out before the end of the year will allow trainers and owners to optimise plans for the racing year ahead.”
