15 in the Supreme- joint lowest in the last 23 years 10 in the Arkle- since 1993, only in Azertyuiop and Or Royal's years have there been less. 13 in Champion- Lowest since 1988 save for Sublimity's year 14 in the Mares' race- down on the last 2 renewals (21 and 17)
Presumably the new 2m 4f novice chase has had an effect on the Arkle.
Two of the three handicaps are full, but the Spinal Research chase has 19, which is only the second sub-20 entry in the last 7 renewals.
Recession maybe- esp in terms of Irish runners. Last year, tomorrow's 7 races (OK the novice hcap chase was run on the Thursday in 2010) there were 39 Irish runners. This year just 27.
ye , getting badly diluted. have been saying this for a while now and alot of races going to have short favs. the old 3 day format was magical and i think they fecked it up for greed
ye , getting badly diluted. have been saying this for a while now and alot of races going to have short favs. the old 3 day format was magical and i think they fecked it up for greed