Key changes have been made to racin?_x0019_s Appearance Money Scheme following the planned end-of-season review by the British Horseracing Board.

The Board agreed that the scheme, designed both to provide a commercial incentive to participate, thus underpinning the VAT Registration Scheme for Racehorse Owners, and to attract runners to typically under-contested races should introduce a handicap rating-related requirement for horses in order to qualify for appearance money payments. The Board was concerned that the system as it stood inevitably encouraged horses of a very moderate standard and with limited chances of winning to enter the relevant races in order to qualify for payment.

The Appearance Money Scheme will continue to offer, in the following races, a payment of £300 to all runners, except those with a handicap rating of less than 45 (Flat) or less than 75 (National Hunt):

Flat Turf Conditions Races (Class B & C)
Flat Turf Classified Races (With a rating band of 0-75 and above)
NH Novice Chases (Class A, B & C, weight-for-age)
NH Novice Hurdles (Class A, B & C, weight-for-age)
NH Juvenile Hurdles (Class A-E)
All All Sunday Races

In addition, appearance money will also be paid to runners with a rating of 100 or above contesting National Hunt Grade 2 Pattern Races.

The new rating requirement will apply to races with an entry date from Monday 19th November 2001, and which are run on or after Saturday 24th November 2001.

BHB will continue to monitor the success of the scheme closely, while in the short-term consideration will be given as to how to best utilise appearance money to maximise field sizes within the new rating restrictions.

For further information please contact BHB Racing Director Paul Greeves on 020 7343 3306 or Assistant Racing Director Grant Harris on 020 7343 3203