British Midsummer Bonus Introduced for Horses Trained Outside of Europe

[Wandering Eyes]

Ascot, Goodwood and York, three of Britain's largest independent racecourses, announced today the 'British Midsummer Bonus', a new initiative designed to incentivise connections of horses trained outside of Europe to target three of the most prestigious Group 1 races in the British Flat racing calendar.

Up to £1 million in bonuses will be available to connections who saddle international runners in both the £1.5 million King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot and £1 million Qatar Sussex Stakes at Goodwood, which are run days apart from each other, minimising travel complexities.

The £1 million win bonus will pay out should the winners of both races be owned or trained by the same person (or entity in the case of owners). If the horses are placed in both races, a £250,000 bonus will be paid.

Additionally, any horse who is successful in either the King George or Sussex Stakes and then lines up in the £1.25 million Juddmonte International at York will receive an appearance fee of £250,000, while any horse who is placed in the King George or Sussex Stakes and then contests the International will receive an appearance fee of £150,000. Any horse who simply lines up at Ascot or Goodwood will be guaranteed an appearance fee of £50,000, should they then go to York afterwards.

Nick Smith, director of racing and public affairs at Ascot Racecourse, said, “We have been collectively considering how to maximise global attention on the midsummer period in Britain, when there are less major overseas events taking part than at other times of the year.

“The thinking behind the Midsummer Bonus is that the opening races are, effectively, the same week, and this presents an opportunity to promote the whole week and all its international options as one entity. By linking the high-summer flagship races at Ascot, Goodwood and York and promoting them together, with bonuses, we are hoping that there is a greater incentive to travel horses to the UK for this significant spell of racing with seven Group 1s.

“We are offering full equine travel costs, stabling and such like within the bonus scheme, along with business class flights and hotels for connections, very much as is expected at major international meetings around the world these days.”

Yoshito Yahagi, a leading trainer in Japan, said, “I am excited to hear the news about this original bonus scheme which is very attractive for owners and trainers in Japan. Ascot, Goodwood and York Racecourses are adored by Japanese trainers, and this new scheme will certainly mean we give consideration to the venture when we plan our international programme. I hope I can become the first trainer to win the King George and Sussex Stakes in the same year.”

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