NH MOPS

National Hunt Mares Only Prize Scheme........don't you just love such initiatives?

Brian child of the Thoroughbred Breeders Association (TBA), this originated to incorporate filly foals of 2012, born in Great Britain or sired by a sire who stood in GB at time of conception. If eligible, and registered by end of the January of the next year following birth, winning a qualifying mares only race brings a nice prize boost to connections. All this, for a small registration fee of ~£100.

The aim is to make it more attractive to send fillies and mares racing over jumps, in line with an adjusted programme book incorporating more mares only races, including an increased number of pattern (black type) races. From a breeding perspective, where traditionally most dams are unraced, the profile of mares will tend towards racing ability based upon racecourse results, soundness etc. rather than pedigree alone.

Prize money is boosted by £10,000 for winners of mares only novice hurdles, and £5,000 for mares only bumpers.

Find out more in the TBA article for 2017.

Oh, and Eternally Yours picked up a cool 5 bags for connections on Tuesday at Sedgefield, thanks to her self-proclaimed go-ahead, enterprising, owner-breeder ......

More money from the BHA.....

There's never been a better time to become involved in owning a National Hunt racehorse, has there?

From 1st January, more money will be allocated across the board to race prize money - flat and NH. Touted by the BHA as of most benefit to owners and trainers operating in the mid and lower tiers of the sport, this is the most significant announcement for prize money since......well, ever really.

Main points

• Increase in total prize money of over 10% to at least £160m
• Large proportion of races will be held with a minimum prize fund of £6,000
• Qualifying races will include payments of at least £350 (NH) for runners in 5th - 8th places
• Welcomed by ROA, NTF, PJA and acknowledged by RCA......

A heartfelt 'well done' to BHA Chief Executive Nick Rust from all at Dodlands.

Racing Post article can be read here.

Handicap charts

From the latest ratings published by the BHA each Tuesday.