'Everyone needs a day off' - Ed Bethell issues warning over 2022 fixtures

Trainer Ed Bethell says he is "baffled" by the increase in weekend fixtures in Britain in 2022 and argued racing needed to present a better working environment for those making a career in the sport.

Bethell, 27, is in his first season training after taking over from his father James and admitted that he worked "seven days a week", but added that such a sacrifice should not be necessary for stable staff and others working in racing.

Asked about the 18 extra Saturday and Sunday fixtures scheduled for next year, Bethell, who was speaking as a guest on the Racing Post's Friday preview show What A Shout, said: "I'm baffled by it. It's a five-day week for most jobs but it's a six-morning week in racing, which is a tough thing for [staff] anyway.

"We have to make our industry a more sustainable place and working environment. People need to come and want to work in this environment and have a better way of life because the work-life balance is tough. I work seven days a week but I don't expect my team of people with me to work like me."

Eight additional Sunday meetings will be run in Britain next year with racecourses contributing at least £65,000 to each card, ensuring that prize-money was no less than £100,000 on those days, according to the BHA in a statement to accompany the release of the fixture list.

The enhanced prizes echo the successful SkyBet Sunday Series that took place on three Sunday evenings during the summer and Bethell said that increased prize-money was the only reason why he would have runners on a Sunday.

"The Sunday Series was a great initiative with 0-80 and 0-85 races worth £30,000, but I don't think there needs to be more of them on a Sunday," he added. "Why can't we put them into the normal fixture list during the week? That would make things more competitive. I was at Haydock on Sunday last week and there was no one there – it was really quiet.

"The horses ran well and the prize-money was fantastic, which is why we went, but I try not to run my horses on a Sunday because unless there's races for good money everyone needs a day off and I'm a big believer in that."

Read more on the fixture list:

Concerns over extra Saturday meetings after BHA publishes 2022 fixture list

'Racing has to get with the times' – McDonald hits out over extra fixtures (Members' Club)

'A slap in the face' – stable staff boss's fury over weekend fixtures (Members' Club)

'We're still in recovery mode' – Julie Harrington outlines 2022 fixture plans

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