Field sizes in Britain shrink to second-lowest level in 30 years amid long dry spell

Field sizes in Britain in the first half of 2025 fell to their second-lowest figure since 1995, with the unseasonably dry weather cited as a contributing factor.

The average field size stood at 8.43 according to BHA data from January 1 to June 30, which is only just sufficient to offer three places for each-way betting. The average field size for jump races in that timeframe was 7.83, with Flat races higher at 8.83.

Both the overall average and jump figures were lower only in 2022, when the figures stood at 8.24 (overall) and 7.65 (jumps). The outlook is slightly better on the Flat, with the 2025 figure of 8.83 beating three of the last four years. However, it is still 0.96 down on the 30-year average.