RCA holds talks as summer jumps tracks seek to improve under-fire programme

Britain's leading summer jumps tracks are set for discussions with industry representatives in an attempt to combat concerns over poor field sizes, although the Racecourse Association (RCA) has provided reassurance that it "fully supports" keeping jump racing as part of the calendar from May to August.

Summer jumping has come under fire in recent weeks from horsemen – including top jumps trainers Fergal O'Brien and Dan Skelton – and bookmakers, with average field sizes dropping to a record low of 6.99 runners in June. Early data for 15 meetings held in July shows a further decline to 6.94.

Cartmel, Newton Abbot and Perth, three tracks that race only through the summer, support the proposed talks with the hope of reaching agreement between racecourses and owners, trainers and jockeys.