Business class flights and a five-star hotel may not be enough to reverse the Shergar Cup's worrying slide

British racing can no longer rely on its history and prestige. The 2026 fixture list provides evidence that the sport's leaders are fully aware financial investment is required if Britain's top races are to continue to attract the world's top horses. Events at Ascot on Saturday suggested attracting the world's top jockeys has also become an issue.

The sport as a whole will benefit if its upper tiers can be strengthened, which is why pumping money into those tiers is not simply a case of channelling funds towards racing's richest players. 

For Britain to compete on the global stage, crown jewels like the King George, International, Sussex Stakes and July Cup must offer purses that make them credible options relative to comparable targets in more affluent jurisdictions. The announcement all four of those features are to be considerably more valuable next year – with the King George becoming Britain's first £2 million race – will boost their standing at home and abroad. Encouragingly, that is only one of the moves that should begin to make a positive difference in 2026.