More fixtures mean no rest for racing

The British Horseracing Board have published the new calendar and there will be a record total of 1,504 fixtures, which is up 89 meetings and 6.3% on 2007, with 372 of those being evening cards.

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That is an increase of 85 on last year, with 58 previously empty evenings now filled by racing, which will be mainly floodlit all-weather cards outside the traditional evening period of April to August.

There will now also be racing on every Sunday during the year.

The BHB have also introduced 'enterprise fixtures', which have been designed to allow racecourses to expand their fixture portfolios in commercially-attractive slots.

There were 35 slots made available and 30 were taken up, with racecourses contributing a minimum of £40,000 (Flat) and £30,000 (jump) in prize money.

There is also a record number of 556 jumping fixtures programmed, while for the moment Good Friday remains race-free.

The 2008 Flat Championships will commence on Lincoln day at Doncaster on Easter Saturday, March 22, with the same racecourse also bringing the season to a close in November.

York's Ebor Festival will now run from Tuesday, August 19 to Friday, August 22.

BHB racing director Ruth Quinn said: "Next year sees another significant increase in the number of fixtures, with two particular areas of growth.

"Firstly, a year-round programme of evening racing which is largely the product of legislative change.

"Secondly, the introduction of enterprise fixtures, with certain racecourses proving keen to stage extra meetings, mainly on Friday evenings through the summer, at their own expense.

"The 2008 fixture list, while presenting several new exciting challenges, should be viewed against the backdrop of the major review which the British Horseracing Authority will be undertaking and on which work has already commenced.

"The review will aim to identify, with the help of as many contributors as possible, the optimal size and shape of the fixture list for British Racing for 2009 onwards."

However, the National Trainers Federation has expressed their doubts about the increased programme of racing.

Chief executive Rupert Arnold said: "Back in March, we called for a debate about the wisdom of expanding the fixture list.

"Today's official revelation of a massive increase in fixtures next year emphasises the urgent need for a reassessment.

"More racing for less money year on year is completely unsustainable.

"A priority for the fixture review must be to obtain facts and figures from the bookmakers justifying this expansion."