‘IRISH DOMINATION DAMAGING SPORT’
URGENT action is needed to address the “decline” in Britain’s National Hunt racing, the BHA’S Julie Harrington warned yesterday.
Irish-trained runners were once again dominant at this week’s Cheltenham Festival, winning 18 of the 27 races and 12 of the 14 Grade 1 contests.
Willie Mullins’ ninestrong haul included eight wins at the top level, including Galopin Des Champs’ second consecutive success in Friday’s Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup.
“The Irish domination of the Grade 1 races this week has illustrated that the issue is becoming more pronounced and more damaging for the sport on both sides of the Irish Sea,” said the British Horseracing Authority chief executive.
The BHA confirmed a package of changes recommended by the
Quality Jump Racing Review Group last April but Harrington added: “The rate of decline of jump racing in Britain at the top end has outstripped the measures that have been put in place to tackle it.
“We must do more, more quickly, and in a more co-ordinated and decisive manner if we are to restore British jump racing to the standing at which it belongs.”
Harrington went on: “The times of being reluctant to embrace change or new ideas and focusing on narrow self-interest must be put firmly behind us.
“I am confident that it can flourish once again.”
BEAUPORT, carrying the colours of 1983 Grand National hero Corbiere, had the staying power to lift the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter for owners Bryan and Philippa Burrough, trainer Nigel Twistondavies and jockey Jordan Nailor.