'Money is the obvious reason' - Lincoln attracts record entry after big prize-money boost

Money clearly talks. The Lincoln Handicap, the first big race of the Flat turf season, had its prize fund boosted from £100,000 to £150,000 and has bucked the recent trend by attracting a record entry.

Just 62 horses were put in the Doncaster showpiece last year, while only eight went to post for the Spring Mile reserve race, whose purse has also been upped from £45,000 to £75,000.

Both contests have a safety limit of 22 and 12 months on the Lincoln has drawn an initial field of 115, surpassing the previous high of 99 in 2020 — when the race was lost due to the pandemic.

Doncaster executive director Rachel Harwood said: "We've been able to invest in prize money values across the meeting, especially to the Lincoln and Spring Mile handicaps, and are therefore delighted to see record entries.

"We work hard at Doncaster to provide an excellent experience for racegoers and owners alike, and we look forward to welcoming everyone in April to usher in the new Flat season."

William Haggas is aiming Al Mubhir and Montassib for the race he has won four times since 1992 and said: "It's a good entry. The prize money certainly helps, although we always try to have a Lincoln horse and we have a couple of entries who are 32 and 37 in the list at the moment but are both intended runners at this very early stage."

Simon and Ed Crisford, runners-up last year with Saleymm, have three entries, including ante-post favourite Awaal who has won two of his four career outings and is 9-1 with Bet365 for the race on April 1.

Saleymm (yellow) finished second for the Crisfords in the Lincoln last year Credit: Getty Images

"I'd say the money is the obvious reason for the big entry but it's always a showpiece at the start of the season and everyone wants to win it," Ed Crisford said.

"We finished second in it last year and we're hoping to go one better. Awaal is progressive and came through the ranks last year. Ground is key to him, he does want a bit of cut, but I think he's on the right side of the handicapper still. The plan is to go straight there and as long as the conditions are right he has the right profile for a Lincoln.

"The mile at Doncaster will suit Croupier well and he finished on a high last year. He's another one who has progressed through the handicap. I think we've got two live contenders."

SBK Lincoln Handicap (April 1, Doncaster)

Bet365: 9-1 Awaal, 10 Baradar, 11 Okeechobee, 14 Akhu Najla, Al Mubhir, Brewing, Tranquil Night, Wanees, 16 bar

Now read these:

Highclere boss: British racing could be 'ripped to pieces' by intrusive affordability checks 

Conflated goes straight to the Gold Cup - but Gordon Elliott still priming strong Leopardstown team 

Unlock red-hot Ante-Post Pricewise for Cheltenham with a brilliant special offer 

Take the Big Punting Survey to be entered into a free prize draw to win one of five £50 Amazon vouchers. Click here for more details.