The BHA has confirmed that 18 floodlit fixtures scheduled to take place in early 2027 will finish at the earlier time of 8pm.
This follows a trial in early 2026, where selected mid-winter floodlit fixtures finished at 8pm rather than 8:30pm, as is normally the case.
The feedback from participants, officials and others servicing these fixtures was that the slightly earlier finish was beneficial.
With the support of the floodlit racecourses, it has therefore been agreed that 18 floodlit fixtures scheduled to take place between the beginning of the year and the first week of March 2027 will finish at, or very shortly before, 8pm.
With a view to reducing any financial losses linked to the impact of earlier finishes on betting turnover, the dates that have been agreed for 2027 align with midweek Premier League and Champions League football matches, scheduled to take place on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.
This approach will mean that the evening’s racing has finished before kick-off at these high-profile football matches. The full list of fixtures that will conclude by 8pm are as follows:
January
- Monday 4th Wolverhampton, Tuesday 5th Wolverhampton, Wednesday 6th Kempton
- Monday 18th Wolverhampton, Tuesday 19th Southwell, Wednesday 20th Kempton
- Monday 25th Newcastle, Wednesday 27th Kempton
February
- Monday 1st Wolverhampton
- Tuesday 9th Wolverhampton, Wednesday 10th Kempton
- Tuesday 16th Wolverhampton, Wednesday 17th Kempton
- Monday 22nd Newcastle, Tuesday 23rd Wolverhampton, Wednesday 24th Newcastle
March
- Tuesday 2nd Newcastle, Wednesday 3rd Kempton
We are grateful for the efforts of all concerned in delivering floodlit racing during the winter period, and indeed throughout the year.
This helps ensure that racing can take place at times of the day that, in recent years, have proved increasingly popular with bettors in particular.
