'Broad support' from independent racecourses for premierisation fixture changes

Small independent courses have given a cautious welcome to the significant fixture list reforms unveiled on Thursday.

In the build-up to Tuesday's crucial BHA board meeting, at which the proposals were approved, some tracks not aligned to major groups - Jockey Club Racecourses (JCR) and Arena Racing Company (Arc) - had been vocally fearful of the premierisation initiative.

James Sanderson, chief executive at Catterick and Thirsk, had even suggested they could launch a legal challenge against a policy which courses were concerned could have a huge impact on attendances and revenue.