'Racing has to get with the times' - McDonald hits out over extra fixtures

Racing’s decision-makers were urged to “get with the times” on Wednesday as professionals came out in support of the anger expressed by the National Association of Racing Staff (Nars) over a surprise increase in weekend fixtures in Britain next year.

The views from leading jockey PJ McDonald tallied with those of former champion Flat trainer Richard Hannon, who labelled the weekend programme for 2022 as “crazy”, adding that it was “harsh” on stable staff.

McDonald, joint-president of the PJA board, said on Wednesday that he “100 per cent understood” the plight of stable staff and that recognition of the extra meetings on Sundays should be reflected in the weekday racing programme.