Pitiful prize-money for top novice hurdles could have long-term consequences

Grade 1 races should be supported by Grade 1-standard prize-money and the continuously disappointing financial rewards on offer for races like the Challow and Tolworth Novices' Hurdles needs to be seriously reevaluated by the British racing authorities.

Of course, the past year has presented challenges like never before when it comes to prize-money – and supporting races at the lower-to-middle tiers is important for grassroots stakeholders – but the problem of undervaluing these Grade 1s existed long before the pandemic.

Metier's victory in this month's Unibet Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown earned his connections just £19,932.50, but even in normal times 12 months earlier the winner took home just £28,475.