'Changes need to be made' - bookmakers slam bloated summer jumps programme

Bookmakers have voiced support for a reduction in British summer jumps fixtures, arguing they can be a turn-off for punters, with one firm revealing turnover accounts for just a fifth of that generated by similar Flat fixtures.

Leading jumps trainers Fergal O'Brien and Dan Skelton have criticised the number of jumps fixtures during the summer, with field sizes in June the lowest on record at an average of 6.99 per race.

Star Sports told the Racing Post that on a general midweek day summer jumping accounts for less than ten per cent of turnover – adding it is something they would not "mourn" if totally removed – while Simon Clare from Ladbrokes Coral called for a reduction in fixtures to increase competition and make it more appealing to punters and racing fans.