Less fixtures means less income for racing warns Ladbrokes Coral director

A leading bookmaker has warned a reduction in the number of fixtures will hit revenues to the sport and was not the best way to try to increase field sizes.

Horsemen may largely be in favour of the BHA's cuts to the fixture list but bookmakers have responded less positively, with a leading industry spokesman insisting the sport could increase field sizes without the predicted reduced income that could result from fewer fixtures.

While a reduction of fixtures had been called for by many amid growing concerns for the well-being of participants and lower than desired field sizes, Simon Clare – public relations director of Ladbrokes Coral – warned it will come with the inevitable consequence that racing's income will also fall.