Delight as Yarmouth retains 24 race dates
The 2012 Great Yarmouth Racecourse fixture list has now been released, following months of consultation with the sport’s governing body.
The popular racecourse has secured 24 fixtures, the same number as in 2011, against a reduction in the number taking place nationally to a total of 1,456.
Glenn Tubby, general manager at Great Yarmouth said: “I am delighted to retain 24 fixtures at the racecourse next year, especially as forecasts in recent months suggested that we may lose a couple. The majority of dates are in their existing slots and we will once again start the season with a family orientated two-day meeting at Easter, which is earlier this year on 9 April.
“The ladies can plan ahead for the Ladies Night fashion stakes on Tuesday 17 July and for those looking to book their annual autumn pilgrimage to the seaside, the Eastern Festival will take place on September 18-20.
“Another date to note is Tuesday June 5 when we are fortunate to be holding an afternoon race meeting on the additional bank holiday granted for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, so there will be a real party atmosphere.”
Racing fixtures are allocated by the British Horseracing Authority and the total number of fixtures held across the country has been reduced this year, due to concerns over a declining horse population and declining prize money.
Ruth Quinn, Director of Racing for the British Horseracing Authority, said: “Whilst the BHA remains concerned about the declining horse population, a rise in the number of races with small fields and recent downgrades to the race programme, the 2012 fixture list is a pragmatic outcome to a long and difficult process during which the views of the sport’s stakeholders have been taken into account.
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“We will continue to work closely together to address the challenges facing British Racing, with the immediate priority being to produce a race programme that is better matched to the demands of the horse population.”
Alongside the release of the fixtures by the British Horseracing Authority, the Horserace Betting Levy Board announced an increase of �4.2m towards prize money, primarily to support higher quality racing.
Racing will resume at Great Yarmouth on April 9. For more information visit www.greatyarmouth-racecourse.co.uk.
