NTF calls for change to early-closing system to prevent repeat of Futurity farce

The National Trainers Federation has criticised racecourses' reliance on the early-closing entry system to subsidise the amount of prize-money they offer, believing it is deterring entries and have called for change to ensure the leading Flat races are as competitive as possible.

Saturday’s Group 1 Vertem Futurity Trophy at Doncaster has attracted just 12 entries, 11 of which are trained in Ireland by Aidan O’Brien, including ante-post 2-5 favourite Mogul.

Kameko, who is trained by Andrew Balding, will be the only British challenger for a race O’Brien has won five times in the last ten years, including the last two with Magna Grecia (2018) and Saxon Warrior (2017).