EBF to sustain £1.68 million prize-money fund for British racing

The British European Breeders' Fund (EBF) has said it will maintain its prize-money funding this season and therefore continue to allocate £1.68 million to racing in 2020.

The news comes as a boost for the sport amid growing concerns about prize-money levels and how it will recover generally following the coronavirus outbreak. The EBF has reassured the industry it will continue its funding throughout the season but with a focus on supporting races in the first few weeks when racing resumes.

The EBF supports more than 600 Flat races and a further 80 over jumps in Britain, making it one of the biggest non-bookmaker sponsors.

Simon Sweeting, chairman of the British EBF, said: "We're committed to supporting as many races within our remit as practical to help the sport back on its feet as quickly as possible.

"We're aware of how significant our £1.68 million is to the industry this season and we are working to make sure it gets into the system effectively. We will use money not spent during the cessation of racing to support additional races during the first month or so of the resumption.

Simon Sweeting: chairman of the EBFCredit: Ebf

"We know our additional funding is needed by owners and trainers and we want to assure them that the British EBF is here to help at every opportunity."

The EBF added it is also making plans to back any extension of the regular Flat programme into November and December.

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