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'Failed races' on the increase as low field sizes continue to blight jump racing
Chases have been particularly susceptible to having small fieldsCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)
More than a quarter of jump races run in Britain last month were classed as 'failed races' after five or fewer horses lined up to compete in them.
Monthly statistics published by the BHA made for gloomy reading for the sport, which has been wrestling with historically low field sizes on the Flat and over jumps since August.
Data for February showed the average field size in Britain was 7.98 horses per race, with jump races attracting 7.79 horses on average. These figures are the second lowest since records began in 1995.
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Peter ScargillDeputy industry editor
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