DECENT prize money and a healthy ratio of races to horses in training are thought to be the main reasons why average field sizes in Ireland are increasing while they are decreasing in Britain.

The number of small-field races in Britain, featuring five horses or fewer, are at their highest level since BHA records began in 1995.

New research has revealed August has been a particularly stark month for field sizes, with 88 out 465 races in the first 15 days of the month going ahead with five or fewer runners – the highest number in 25 years. Figures supplied to The Irish Field show that in Britain 15.7% of the races have five runners or fewer. In Ireland less than 5% of races are in that bracket.

The data has prompted expressions of concern from stakeholders including the Horseracing Bettors Forum, which said “nobody wants to go racing and see a series of five- or six-runner events”. A spokesman for the Racecourse Association said authorities “are looking at a number of ideas to implement across the 2022 fixture list, which we are hopeful will address this trend”.

Meanwhile, figures recently released by Horse Racing Ireland show that the average field size for the first six months of 2021 is 12.5. This is up from 12 runners for the same period in 2020 and from an average of 11.9 in 2019. The corresponding British figure is 8.74 runners per race.

The number of horses returned in training in Ireland is up an amazing 24% on the same time in 2019, although the truncated point-to-point season has played a part in that.

There has also been a spike in the number of new owner registrations. In the first half of this year 637 new owners were registered, compared with 484 for the same period in 2019.

Michael Grassick, CEO of the Irish Racehorse Trainers’ Association, said: “It’s probably due to a combination of factors. There is probably too much racing in Britain and, consequently, a dilution of the prize fund. Because prize money is so low, owners and trainer may be more reluctant to travel their horses long distances as the likely reward is not worth it.

“Here, we are close enough to having the proper ratio of races to horses. The number of horses in training has increased, but so has the number of fixtures.”

Grassick acknowledged that almost all racecourses have had their pre-Covid safety limits on runners restored but says some tracks need to invest in stabling. “Racecourses that want more runners and more racing need to ensure they have enough stables. Grant aid is available.”