'I'm not concerned' - Racing League chief relaxed despite two eight-runner races

There is no cause for alarm about field sizes for Racing League's Thursday fixture at Lingfield says CEO Jeremy Wray, with "all sorts of factors at play" to explain just two races meeting the maximum quota.

Last week's Doncaster fixture also saw just two races meeting the maximum of 14 runners with the smallest field being 11 runners, but a pair of Thursday's races, the 7f nursery and 1m2f three-year-old handicap, have attracted just eight.

The prolonged spell of dry weather is limiting the number of two-year-olds ready to run while no runners will be coming from Ireland because of the extra strain of travelling in the heatwave. The temperature is forecast to reach 33C at Lingfield on Thursday.

Wray said: "It's obviously a disappointment, the nursery races are a problem, there's no doubt there's an issue over that.

"You look round at all meetings and nursery races are an issue, and I think there are some specific things this week like heat, as teams are less keen to travel long distances. We haven't got horses coming over from Ireland this week.

"Talking to all the managers and trainers, they're keen to run their horses when they can, but obviously horse welfare is paramount.

"It's disappointing yes, but I think there are all sorts of factors at play and I'm not too alarmed."

Wray has been able to see the positives despite the smaller turnout, with all seven races for the seven-team event having at least eight runners.

"Fortunately we do have eight runners in those two races. One of the main things is wanting to make sure this is attractive from a betting proposition.

"Whenever we're getting 11/12 runners in a race that's fine. There will be individual issues for teams week to week but it's obviously disappointing if you are going under ten, as far as I'm concerned.

"The goal is to absolutely have 14 runners, that's what we're aiming at. When you're missing by one or two, I'm not concerned."

Although happy with the Racing League's first fixture at Doncaster, Wray is hoping for a bigger fan turnout on Thursday.

"I'm not certain what the crowd will be but I would like to see a bigger crowd. I think that's important and we're doing what we can to get people along - that's where the weather does help. I think having Frankie [Dettori] riding there this week is a big draw too."

Although Dettori's pull is a big positive for Wray, he is also keen for the younger jockeys to get their chance to shine and for the public to get a closer look at the sport in general.

He added: "Anything that can promote the careers of younger jockeys is great and, from the public's perception, getting to know some of these people. We're trying to get the personalities of racing to the fore.

"From a competitive point of view, I'm thrilled to bits and I would like to think it's competitive sport. I want to make sure that we get more people there to rub shoulders with those in the sport, which requires us to work hard with our audience and I want to promote the personalities of the people involved - that's key."

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