York joins major tracks in backing Savill proposals - but not before 2024

York has joined Ascot and Goodwood in publicly underlining its support for plans for racing's future drawn up by former BHB chairman Peter Savill, although there appears to be little chance of any changes being implemented before 2024 with an industry strategy for the sport yet to get off the ground.

The Savill plan would involve measures such as reducing the number of races for horses rated 80-100 on the Flat and boosting prize-money for major fixtures, proposals York chief executive William Derby said the BHA should incorporate into the sport's forthcoming industry strategy.

However, having been born out of concerns around falling field sizes, lacklustre prize-money in comparison to other major racing nations and the associated drain of high-end equine talent from Britain, the recommendations of the Savill plan are set to have no impact on the 2023 fixture list, which is essentially complete, while the industry strategy is understood to be at a nascent stage and may take several months before it is completed.