GBBPlus Delivers First Bonuses

[Wandering Eyes]

GBBPlus, an extension of the highly successful Great British Bonus (GBB) scheme, has begun issuing its first bonuses. Designed to incentivise and reward the breeding, buying and racing of British-bred staying fillies and chasing mares, GBBPlus officially launched on January 1, and within three weeks, it has already awarded two £30,000 bonuses.

The scheme's extension, announced last year, provides all mares born in Britain and sired by a British-based stallion with the opportunity to compete for bonuses of up to £30,000 in Class 1-4 weight-for-age (WFA) and handicap chases. Mares by stallions outside Britain remain eligible but receive half the bonus amounts to promote the use of British stallions.

GBBPlus introduces a straightforward “10-20-30” bonus structure with bumpers offering up to £10,000, hurdles up to £20,000, and chases up to £30,000. The first two winners of the £30,000 bonus include the Lucy Wadham-trained Telepathique (GB) (Telescope {Ire}) when she gained her fifth career victory at Fakenham on Sunday, January 19.

Simon Cox, chairman of the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association's (TBA) NH Committee, said, “We were really excited to extend GBB to an area of racing that needs additional support. GBB has already done phenomenal work in raising the value and appeal of British-bred mares, and this extension will only amplify that progress.

“The number of mares participating in chases has been declining, so we hope the expanded coverage and increased bonus value will encourage owners and trainers to test their mares in these races.”

He added, “It's fantastic to see successes like Telepathique's rewarded through the scheme. With her success on the track, she also qualifies for the HBLB funded Elite Mares Scheme (EMS), another TBA initiative, which offers significant discounts on covering fees, further supporting her future potential.”

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