How soaring overseas prize-money is heaping more pressure on British racing

Prize-money increases in Hong Kong are having a major impact on the export of British racehorsesCredit: Edward Whitaker

Soaring prize-money in Hong Kong and Australia has laid bare the global forces impacting British field sizes and the export of horses.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has recently announced a record 11.5 per cent increase to prize-money due to the increased global competition in sourcing the best bloodstock, taking its total to £158.6 million (€190.7m) for the 2022-23 season.

A driving force behind its decision was the increased prize-money in Australia, from where the majority of its horses are imported. The total return to owners, including prize-money and incentives, was $A880m (£497m/€590m) last year, according to Racing Australia.

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Jonathan HardingReporter of the year

Published on 25 April 2022inInternational

Last updated 20:07, 28 April 2022

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