King George should not be run for such a pittance, says Willie Carson

Willie Carson pictured at John Dunlop's memorial service in September 2018

Willie Carson: has criticised the reduced prize-money for Saturday's King George at AscotCredit: Edward Whitaker

Four-time King George-winning jockey Willie Carson has lamented the reduced prize-money on offer for Ascot's summer showpiece, claiming owners could be forced abroad unless the status quo of cutting big-race prize funds is reversed.

The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes is worth £400,000 this year rather than the original £1.25 million due to the impact of the Covid-19 crisis.

It joins the likes of the Derby and Juddmonte International in offering a much-reduced prize fund, in contrast to countries such as France where Group 1 values have not been as severely impacted.

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Andrew DietzReporter

Published on 24 July 2020inNews

Last updated 16:57, 24 July 2020

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