Alarm bell for racing as recent field sizes slump to lowest level for decades

Historically low field-size figures in British racing have been described as "an alarm bell" for the sport, requiring a response to ensure the sport's popularity and income can be sustained.

Statistics published by the BHA show field sizes plummeted to their lowest levels for a quarter of a century, prompting calls for a closer link between the races being staged and the type of horses available.

The worrying downward trend highlighted during August has continued into September, according to the BHA figures. Between August 1 and September 30, the average number of runners per race was just 8.4, the lowest figure recorded for that time of year since records began in 1995.