The recent news regarding the removal of amateurs conditions for the Cheltenham National Hunt Chase is extremely disappointing for point to point riders and our members.
The reason for reviewing and restructuring the races was surely to ensure they became more competitive, however the lack of competition cannot be attributed to amateur riders. Both the National Hunt Chase and the Kim Muir have both been in the top 40 betting races for Entain in 2022 and 2023.
The changing face of the National Hunt Chase and the disappointing field sizes in recent years are surely more likely attributed to the top class horses targeting the race. The decision to change the format of the race to increase field sizes can be understood but why it couldn’t have remained a race for amateur riders is difficult to understand. It’s vitally important we try to retain and grow the amateur pathway into the sport, so many of our professionals have come through this route and even more of our workforce. Having races for amateur riders at our showcase meetings is a vital component in all of this.
It’s incredibly disappointing that the AJA and top amateur riders were not consulted regarding this change. There’s very little proof that changing the type of riders will improve the competition of the race, the betting revenue or racegoer attendance.
Amateur Jockey Josh Newman, former winner of the National Hunt Chase in 2014 on Midnight Prayer trained by Alan King, and the recently crowned Champion Point to Point Trainer 2023-24 said “Personally I think it’s incredibly disappointing to take away this opportunity for amateurs. That day at Cheltenham was one of the best days of my riding career, it’s sad to think amateurs won’t have the chance to experience that in future.
“I’ve grown up riding in point to points, and riding successfully as an amateur under rules. It’s really important to have these pathways for attracting new riders into racing and creating the next generation of jockeys.”
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