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1 race no runners another only 1 declared.
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Shame all trainers don't stick together, however, i'm sure much lesser trainers and owners will declare once they reopen them.
I wonder how the median prize money for all races has changed on annual basis.
It's difficult to envisage what the sport will look like in 10 years.
It's difficult to envisage what the sport will look like in 10 years.
Surprised there wasn't one in each though. No runners means Lingfield doesn't have to dish out prize money.
Well done to the trainers who participated.
Had Littmoden not colluded,or was he happy to accept the walk-over?
Had Littmoden not colluded,or was he happy to accept the walk-over?
Press Association · Columnist
12:41 · February 21, 2019 · 3 min read
Trainers have boycotted two races at Lingfield on Saturday in protest against low levels of prize-money.
The five-furlong Ladbrokes Novice Stakes had nine entries at the five-day stage but none were declared, while only Nick Litmoden's Greybychoice was declared for the Ladbrokes Home Of The Odds Boost Novice Stakes over a mile, meaning he will take home the entire £4,500 prize fund.
Lingfield is owned by Arena Racing Company, which has come in for increasing criticism of late over levels of prize-money at its tracks, after opting to reduce its contributions due to concerns over the impending cut to maximum stakes on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs).
As Lingfield stages one of its headline events in the Winter Derby this weekend, trainer Phil McEntee, who has criticised ARC's stance on social media, hopes the action has maximum effect.
"There has been enough of us that have been vociferous about ARC's prize-money for a while, and there are a lot of trainers and owners who wanted ARC to know that going forward we aren't happy," said McEntee. "What better day to let them know than on Winter Derby day?
"We can all see who had entries in the mile maiden - Mark Johnston, John Gosden, Charlie Appleby, Roger Charlton - and I think ARC thought this was a cry for help from the smaller guys who provide the most runners through the year, but it's not just about the smaller trainers.
"The prize-money levels we are racing for in 2019 are simply not acceptable and I, for one, am absolutely delighted with what's happened. ARC better take note. It is not by accident that one was declared in that race either. Somebody had to do something and I'm pleased there has been action. It's up to the trainers to do something about it. This might not be the end of it, but it's a starting point.
"ARC will definitely be aware now that it is not just me and a few others who have had their feathers ruffled. Unfortunately I've had to make an entry at Wolverhampton (which also owned by ARC) on Tuesday because it is owned and bred by some locals who want it to run there, but I'm not happy about it. At the same time, it's not about one individual horse.
"My brother came over from America recently and couldn't believe there where Dubawi colts and Frankel colts running for such pitiful sums. We're supposed to have the best racing in the world yet we're running for Third World money."
Archie Watson has been one of the leading trainers at Lingfield since taking out a licence and had entries in both affected races.
He said: "I didn't feel that the prize-money merited me running my horses. All I can do is talk for myself - I can't talk for anybody else apart from myself and my horses. I haven't declared my horses because I didn't think the prize-money was suitable for the class (of race). I didn't feel I could justify running for that money.
"I imagine I trained among the most number of runners at Lingfield last year, and I have absolutely no problem with the track, (clerk of the course) George Hill and his team. This prize-money (level) has been across the ARC tracks, and it does need to change. The horsemen need to be properly rewarded for providing the runners. I will decide horse by horse (whether to run in the future)."
Rupert Arnold, chief executive of the National Trainers Federation, believes it is up to trainers where and when they run their horses.
He said: "The NTF supports trainers' rights to exercise their choices on an individual basis. It is their individual decision whether they support those races or not.
"The NTF, Racehorse Owners Association, Racecourse Association and British Horseracing Authority are working together to see if we can help resolve the situation with prize money. That is an ongoing discussion - there is an industry effort to try to make some progress on this."
12:41 · February 21, 2019 · 3 min read
Trainers have boycotted two races at Lingfield on Saturday in protest against low levels of prize-money.
The five-furlong Ladbrokes Novice Stakes had nine entries at the five-day stage but none were declared, while only Nick Litmoden's Greybychoice was declared for the Ladbrokes Home Of The Odds Boost Novice Stakes over a mile, meaning he will take home the entire £4,500 prize fund.
Lingfield is owned by Arena Racing Company, which has come in for increasing criticism of late over levels of prize-money at its tracks, after opting to reduce its contributions due to concerns over the impending cut to maximum stakes on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs).
As Lingfield stages one of its headline events in the Winter Derby this weekend, trainer Phil McEntee, who has criticised ARC's stance on social media, hopes the action has maximum effect.
"There has been enough of us that have been vociferous about ARC's prize-money for a while, and there are a lot of trainers and owners who wanted ARC to know that going forward we aren't happy," said McEntee. "What better day to let them know than on Winter Derby day?
"We can all see who had entries in the mile maiden - Mark Johnston, John Gosden, Charlie Appleby, Roger Charlton - and I think ARC thought this was a cry for help from the smaller guys who provide the most runners through the year, but it's not just about the smaller trainers.
"The prize-money levels we are racing for in 2019 are simply not acceptable and I, for one, am absolutely delighted with what's happened. ARC better take note. It is not by accident that one was declared in that race either. Somebody had to do something and I'm pleased there has been action. It's up to the trainers to do something about it. This might not be the end of it, but it's a starting point.
"ARC will definitely be aware now that it is not just me and a few others who have had their feathers ruffled. Unfortunately I've had to make an entry at Wolverhampton (which also owned by ARC) on Tuesday because it is owned and bred by some locals who want it to run there, but I'm not happy about it. At the same time, it's not about one individual horse.
"My brother came over from America recently and couldn't believe there where Dubawi colts and Frankel colts running for such pitiful sums. We're supposed to have the best racing in the world yet we're running for Third World money."
Archie Watson has been one of the leading trainers at Lingfield since taking out a licence and had entries in both affected races.
He said: "I didn't feel that the prize-money merited me running my horses. All I can do is talk for myself - I can't talk for anybody else apart from myself and my horses. I haven't declared my horses because I didn't think the prize-money was suitable for the class (of race). I didn't feel I could justify running for that money.
"I imagine I trained among the most number of runners at Lingfield last year, and I have absolutely no problem with the track, (clerk of the course) George Hill and his team. This prize-money (level) has been across the ARC tracks, and it does need to change. The horsemen need to be properly rewarded for providing the runners. I will decide horse by horse (whether to run in the future)."
Rupert Arnold, chief executive of the National Trainers Federation, believes it is up to trainers where and when they run their horses.
He said: "The NTF supports trainers' rights to exercise their choices on an individual basis. It is their individual decision whether they support those races or not.
"The NTF, Racehorse Owners Association, Racecourse Association and British Horseracing Authority are working together to see if we can help resolve the situation with prize money. That is an ongoing discussion - there is an industry effort to try to make some progress on this."
Surely Littmoden has to withdraw his runner, brothers in arms 'n' and all that. No-one wants to be called a 'scab' 
Though that said, surely if they wanted to make a proper statement with real intent, at what is a high profile meeting, surely the whole meeting should have been boycotted, or was Mr Gosden not happy at the prospect of having to miss out on all that juicy prize money for up for grabs in the Winter Derby?!
Though that said, surely if they wanted to make a proper statement with real intent, at what is a high profile meeting, surely the whole meeting should have been boycotted, or was Mr Gosden not happy at the prospect of having to miss out on all that juicy prize money for up for grabs in the Winter Derby?!
Isn't it best to leave one in and put the money in a "fighting fund " ?
Just 5 races on one of their biggest days of the year 2 of which are live on itv4.
George,
It's a walk-over so has the same effect as no declarations. What would have been more effective would have had the trainers held a raffle or some-such so that only one horse was declared for every race. A 7 race card with every race a walk-over
That would hurt them where it hurts
It's a walk-over so has the same effect as no declarations. What would have been more effective would have had the trainers held a raffle or some-such so that only one horse was declared for every race. A 7 race card with every race a walk-over
That would hurt them where it hurts
Feb 21, 2019 -- 1:24PM, iamajambo wrote:
George,It's a walk-over so has the same effect as no declarations. What would have been more effective would have had the trainers held a raffle or some-such so that only one horse was declared for every race. A 7 race card with every race a walk-over That would hurt them where it hurts
Great idea, perhaps next meeting they will take it in turns.
You really can't blame trainers for doing this. ARC continue to squeeze the game and punters for a every penny. Punters charged £22 on the gate to watch low grade racing at most of their tracks and trainers/owners are expected to provide the product whilst being offered derisory amounts in prize money.
"My brother came over from America recently and couldn't believe there where Dubawi colts and Frankel colts running for such pitiful sums. We're supposed to have the best racing in the world yet we're running for Third World money."
#MakeArcGreatAgain
#MakeArcGreatAgain
We could have American/French type prize money but it would mean a tote run environment.
Million miles away from that and would only be palatable to the generations coming behind us I would guess.
Million miles away from that and would only be palatable to the generations coming behind us I would guess.
The betting shops wanted a glut of fixtures,the racing authorities went along with it,and now they wonder why there are so many low prize money races.It isn't just ARC,many courses have the same problem.Look how many fixture clashes are happening on a regular basis,when we were told that it wouild be addressed years ago,but it certainly hasn't changed.No race whatsoever should have prize money under £5000,and place money should be better.
Trim the fixture list,stop the clashes,which would result in bigger,more competitive fields.
Today,a basic thursday,Sedgefield,Huntingdon,Wolverhampton,Chelmsford,Southwell,and Thurles.
Levy money will drop FOBT issues,so it has to be done.Even Newmarket was criticised for poor Friday(concert nights) prize money.
You get the distinct impression that the people that run the show don't fully grasp the situation.And they say attendance is dropping too.
Trim the fixture list,stop the clashes,which would result in bigger,more competitive fields.
Today,a basic thursday,Sedgefield,Huntingdon,Wolverhampton,Chelmsford,Southwell,and Thurles.
Levy money will drop FOBT issues,so it has to be done.Even Newmarket was criticised for poor Friday(concert nights) prize money.
You get the distinct impression that the people that run the show don't fully grasp the situation.And they say attendance is dropping too.
Racing public and on course bookmakers should show their support by staying away.
Who watches or bets on this all weather dross , been a racing nut for 4 decades , I would stop following the sport if this was all there was.
its basically a argument of less or more racing . the big yards say the money isnt enough . the lessers will say so to , but , think well if the top yards wont enter it gives them a chance . if you increase the quality and lower the amount of races you drive out all but the big yards . was it better in the 70s and 80s when individual shops were around or is it better picking between sainsbury , waitrose , tesco , aldi , lidl , or m and s . my choice is the former
another analogy would be to say lets just have the premier league and championship in football . so we take away the grass roots which is what johnston is actually sounding out
so after thought liberator of the oppressed your actually pushing to snuff out the grass root oppressed and are on the wrong side of the argument as you have not considered it broadly enough
why dont they boycott that hole southwell and never enter any horses again..
i do bet on this all weather dross sixtwosix . i base my bets on different factors than form , price and positivity in the market , v lightly raced , not yet seen the surface , bred to act on it , bred to improve for distance , change of trainer , fto headgear etc .i think of 10 fat blokes in a pub , thats the standard , now with wellbeing , correct conditions , a change of attitude , or any other improving factor it doesnt take much to win one of these races and it gives small time people a chance to be part of it . if you dont want to bet on lower leagues dont , but , for diversitys sake and those that are learning their trade . lowball must continue .
Many infact probably most of these horses running in low grade aces are in shared ownership .Of course these owners are not forced to take a part of a horse,but many a person as they get involved in horse racing start to dream of actually owning one.Now of course to most people including me this is an impossible dream hence the rise of the syndicates.now I can speak with experience and some authority on taking part in taking share in racehorses as I now have shares in seven horses,shares ranging from 2.5 % to 10 % though until late last year I did have a 30 % share in a cracking filly who I firmly believe if she takes up her engagment will win the Fillies and Mares in April,anyway I am not moaning on the costs of being involved in a syndicate but for those that don’t know let me give you an example of the costs involved in taking a share in one horse.so for a start you have to research the many syndicates out there.as in most things there are some bad ones and good ones.Now the monthly fees don’t tend to vary too much.so let’s start with your share purchase most people start with buying into a yearling as the failure rate with breeze up horses on the lower purchase price is quite high.So at auction he said yearling let’s say costs £40,000 buy the time it is back with a trainer the said horse would be syndicated for let’s say £50,000 so for your 10% share you are in to the tune of £5,000 let’s say you bought it at the yearling sales in October and start paying all inclusive fees ,which most syndicates operate this way,your monthly fee will be circa £300 a month which works out at £3600 a year netting a total in fees assuming the full take up of the horse a total of £36,000.now let’s say he wins 1 race and is placed once as a 2 year old and wins a total of £4000 and most horses will never achieve this in their first year racing so 0ut of this £4000 you would pay out in fees approximately £1000 in fees that’s trainers Jockeys and syndicate percentages so your Winnins are 10% of this ie £300 so for your first years layout you have paid out £8600 and got a return of £300 which is of course a months fees .so after all my waffling I’m sure you can see we have to have some sort of minimum prize money in place otherwise owners will start saying it’s far too expensive and start leaving in droves.Now it may seem that I’m having a good old moan but actually I’m not I’m just trying to put a few facts forward from one of the thousands of syndicate members in the U K .i am not a wealthy man just a pensioner with a deep passion for horse racing all my purchases are bought through punting ,not necessaryily my own horses,I normally pay a years fees up front and then it’s fingers crossed I’m successful that year to be able to pay my fees of the shares I am involved in Of around £18,000 per annum ,if I have a bad year I’m in the do dah.I hope this post gives a insight into the costs involved to a small owner like myself,then why do it I can here many of you say to that I say why are you having bets when you know just as well as I do that the odds are stacked greatly against us well the simple answer is We Love it
gpz understand what you are saying am not trying to marginalise lower stuff has to be a line drawn somewhere and appropriate payment for the product. These tracks look like they are going to be in the doo doo on front pages for wrong reasons again.
would have been far better if every race had just 1 runner
With probably most of them not there for the prize money it seems strange to protest that it's too low.
I suppose they're protesting that it's not enough when they do send one to try and pick some up.
I suppose they're protesting that it's not enough when they do send one to try and pick some up.
fine line here
protest to much - tracks will become housing developments
protest to much - tracks will become housing developments
Well put Doncaster Rover, I had 2 low grade 55 rated horses and when ARC cut prize money from first 8 to first 4 I gave one of the horses away. As I'm based in the north we only have the ARC tracks, Southwell, Newcastle and Wolverhampton within a fair distance.We small owners don't have a endless amount of money and all we ask is that we have a chance of picking up a bit of prize money along the way to help with costs, this was great when you could get £300 or£400 for finishing in eighth place, but I don't know how much longer I will be staying in ownership it really is a sorry state at the bottom.
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