Juvenile change should bring increased competition and equality

Change is often viewed as something to be fearful of, at odds with a sport that revels in its rich history. However, on occasion it can instigate a better future and the BHA's overhaul of the juvenile programme is one such instance.

Like Ralph Beckett, I was deeply sceptical about last season's trial and was concerned canny trainers would take advantage of the increase in novice races to plunder a string of pots in uncompetitive races.

However, the trial statistics showed the number of previous winners who won again was only marginally increased compared to the previous model in 2015, while larger field sizes and winning SPs made for a better spectacle and more attractive betting mediums.