Ralph Beckett warned racecourses “do something about it – or we will” as the National Trainers Federation boss refused to rule out further strikes against prize money.
The final race of Newbury’s Weatherbys Super Sprint card last Saturday had to be cancelled after it failed to attract a single runner as trainers voted with their feet. And NTF president Beckett predicted Saturday’s boycott will prove the tip of the iceberg unless tracks increase their purses.
“Change is inevitable,” said Beckett. “In my opinion, the racecourses are holding on to quicksand. What they are holding onto is going to go, anyway. So, either get on with it – or we will. That’s what the bottom line is.”
The Newbury walkout proved that prize money is an issue even at the top tracks and Beckett went on: “There are plenty of lesser tracks that are doing their best. Newbury wasn’t planned by the NTF – it was just spontaneous. In my case, the entry I had at Newbury went to Leicester two days before for a race that was worth a third more.”
The scrapped Newbury race carried a first prize of just £3,510 and attracted 13 entries. Beckett called the figure for a Grade 1 track "a disgrace," as trainers including Saeed bin Suroor and Roger Varian also failed to declare their horses.
Chief executive of Newbury Racecourse, Julian Thick, said the no-show "particularly disappointing" for fans.
The track plans to boost prize money from 2023 when its new media contract kicks in.
But other venues have been quicker to act – and Chelmsford chiefs have pledged to up the values for lower grade contests. Class five handicaps will be run for £10,000 and total funds for races a rung lower will be raised to £8,000.
The track's director of racing Neil Graham said: "As an independent racecourse, we are proud, as ever, to be pushing the boundaries by offering prize-money well in excess of many of our competitors."
Beckett and the rest of Westover's connections will pocket a share of £708,875 if the star colt can land Saturday's King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes. The Irish Derby scorer is favourite with the bookies to continue his excellent season, which featured a place full of promise in Epsom's Cazoo Derby.
Westover takes on last year's runner-up, globetrotter Mishriff who will be ridden by Jame Doyle for the first time, plus fellow three-year-old Emily Upjohn in the field of six.
“We’re happy – he’s in good shape," Beckett added.
