British Racing Intelligence — 29 August 2026
The BHA expects the 2027 Fixture List to contain approximately 1,440 fixtures, 18 fewer than in 2026, while the overall number of programmed races is expected to remain broadly similar.
The policy debate goes well beyond the number of race meetings. British racing is balancing a horse population that the BHA says has been declining by around one to two per cent each year against the commercial consequences of reducing racing.
Why it matters
Fixture volume affects betting turnover, media-rights income, Levy receipts, prize money, racecourse economics and opportunities for owners and trainers. Cutting fixtures therefore cannot be considered in isolation from the wider funding model.
Thoroughbred.Global view
This is a useful case study for our continuing work on British Racing: Funding, Responsibility and Opportunity. The central question is how British racing can support sustainable horse numbers and competitive racing while protecting the revenues on which much of the sport depends.
Official source: British Horseracing Authority — Fixture List Policy 2027.