BHA proposal to axe 300 races receives hostile reception

A BHA proposal that would lead to around 300 races being removed from next year's programme, in response to the "increasingly concerning trend" towards lower field sizes, is meeting strong opposition and creating tension between stakeholders.

Arena Racing Company (Arc) is understood to be very unlikely to agree to the proposals, although the National Trainers Federation (NTF) has called for action now for the good of the sport.

Concern over field sizes has built to a crescendo in recent months, with figures since the turn of the year hitting new lows.