The British Horseracing Authority (BHA)’s Jump Pattern Committee has confirmed a number of changes to the mares’ Jump Pattern and Listed programme for the 2024/25 season.
The changes, which are outlined in full below, seek to build on the continued success of the mares’ programme over the past 10 years, with encouraging increases in some key metrics since 2015:
- Horses in training (increased from 19.7% of the horse population to 23.9%)
- Individual runners (increased from 19.5% to 23.5%)
- Individual runners rated 140+ (increased from 3.9% to 9.1%)
To further optimise and bolster the mares’ Jump Pattern and Listed race programme, the latest changes include some adjustments to existing races in the calendar as well as the introduction of three new Listed races at Doncaster, Exeter and Kelso.
Additionally, in order to ensure increased competitiveness of the mares’ handicap chase programme, mares’ novices’ handicap chases have been removed for the 2024/25 season.
Ruth Quinn, BHA Director of International Racing and Racing Development, said:
“Mares have had a significant impact on British jump racing, accounting for some of our most successful horses and delivering incredible moments that live long in the memory.
“Our ambition is to continually grow the population of quality racemares, by incentivising behavioural change and investment in various ways, including with a strengthened mares’ programme, especially black type races. We are undoubtedly seeing welcome results in the percentage of mares – and especially high-quality mares – making up our Jumping population.
“To support further improvements, the Jump Pattern Committee formed a small sub-group to focus specifically on reviewing the mares’ black type programme. Following consideration of the existing programme and discussions with relevant racecourses, we have agreed several adjustments to the calendar to help enhance the spread of opportunities for mares, including the introduction of three new Listed races.
“The BHA is grateful to all racecourses and racecourse groups that have accepted and facilitated this package of changes to the mares’ programme, and to participants for their continued support.
“As ever, the BHA and the Jump Pattern Committee will closely monitor the impact of these changes, in line with other changes to the race programme, in order to ensure they are delivering positive outcomes for the sport.”
Harry Fry, racehorse trainer and Jump Pattern Committee member, said:
“These are welcome changes that provide improved pathways for race mares over the course of the season, offering better opportunities for progress through the divisions and supporting the retention of higher quality jump mares in training.
“Strengthening the mares programme can only have a positive benefit, not only on performance and competitiveness on the racecourse, but also more widely across the racing and breeding industry.”
Love Envoi (Jonathan Burke) and trainer Harry Fry at Kempton Park Racecourse
Full list of changes to the mares’ Jump Pattern and Listed programme for the 2024/25 season:
Mares’ Class 1 Steeple Chase Programme:
- Carlisle’s Houghton Mares’ Chase (2m 4f) – 3 November
Moved from its 1 December slot to the earlier date of 3 November.
- Market Rasen’s Bud Booth Mares’ Chase (3m) – 27 November
Moved to 27 November and now takes place three and a half weeks after the Houghton.
- Newbury’s Listed 3m Mares’ Chase – 15 January
Moved to the course’s January fixture to create better spacing in the mares’ 2 1/2 miles and 3 miles chase division.
- Huntingdon’s Lady Protectress Mares’ Chase (2m 4f) – 6 February
Moved to the course’s February fixture to create better spacing in the mares’ 2 1/2 miles and 3 miles chase division.
- New Listed Agatha Christie 2m Mares’ Novices’ Chase at Exeter – 9 February
A new race that will join Bangor-on-Dee’s race in November as an additional option in the programme for 2m novice chase mares.
- Exeter’s Listed 3m Mares’ Chase – 21 February
Moved to the course’s next fixture in February to create better spacing in the mares’ 2 1/2 miles and 3 miles chase division.
- Cheltenham’s Mares’ Novices’ Handicap Chase (2m 4f) – 17 April
Changed from a Grade 2 Limited Handicap to a full weight-range Premier Handicap.
Mares’ Class 1 Hurdle Programme:
- Kempton’s Listed Mares’ Hurdle reduced to 2 1/2 miles – 25 November
Reduced in distance from 3 miles to 2 1/2 miles, but remains on the same date at the end of November.
- New Doncaster Listed 3m Mares’ Hurdle – 14 December
A new race that becomes the only mares’ hurdle over 3 miles in the first half of the season and will fit the shape of the programme, delivering a Listed race over 2 miles, 2 1/2 miles and 3 miles in this period.
- Warfield Mares’ Hurdle and Yorkshire Rose Mares’ Hurdle distance switch in January
The Grade 2 Warfield at Ascot and Grade 2 Yorkshire Rose at Doncaster will switch distances this season, so that the Warfield (18 January) is the 2-mile option and the Yorkshire Rose (25 January) is run over 3 miles.
- New Kelso Listed 3m Mares’ Hurdle – 22 March
A new race designed to complement the current programme and offer an additional opportunity for staying mares during the second half of the season.
