A new, ground-breaking flat horse racing initiative – the Racing League, has been sanctioned by the British Horseracing Authority and will take place for the first time in the Summer of 2021.
It will be based on twelve teams of 30 horses, two to four trainers and three jockeys attached to each, taking each other on across six races on six race days, each of which will be worth €50,000 in prize money. All the races will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The jockeys will wear team colours and it is hoped that there will be an Irish team taking part.
As well as being the Racing League’s 2021 curtain-raiser on 29th July, Newcastle will also host the final leg of the six-event series, with Doncaster and Royal Windsor set to hold one meeting each, and a further two events to be contested at Lingfield.
We caught up with Jeremy Wray, the man behind the idea to discuss what this innovation could mean in the traditional sporting arena.
Jockey Martin Dwyer, said: “The Racing League has done a great job securing fixtures at Doncaster, Lingfield, Newcastle and Royal Windsor. The team element of the competition really excites me and I can’t wait to be part of it.”
Trainer Brian Meehan commented: “At a time of extraordinary uncertainty in the sporting world, it’s fantastic news for British horse racing that the Racing League is able to unveil the dates and venues for 2021. The prize money alone is great news for owners, and I’m looking forward to competing in the Racing League and hopefully being part of the winning team.”
