Ascot, Goodwood and York, three of the UK's largest independent racecourses, today announced the British Midsummer Bonus, a up-to-date initiative designed to incentivize the connection of horses trained outside Europe to compete in three of the most prestigious Group 1 races. Races to take part in the British Flat racing calendar.
Up to £1 million in rewards are available to saddle international runners in both the £1.5 million King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot and the £1 million Qatar Sussex Stakes at Goodwood, which take place days apart. Minimizing travel complexity.
The £1 million win bonus will be paid if the winners of both races are owned by the same person (or in the case of owners by a legal entity). If the horses place in both races, a bonus of £250,000 will be paid out.
In addition, any horse that is successful in either the King George or Sussex Stake and then competes in the £1.25 million Juddmonte International at York will receive an entry fee of £250,000, while any horse that places in the King George or Sussex Stake will receive an entry fee of £250,000 receives an entry fee of £250,000 and then competes, the International receives an entry fee of £150,000. Any horse simply competing at Ascot or Goodwood is guaranteed an entry fee of £50,000 provided it then goes to York.
Nick Smith, director of racing and public affairs at Ascot Racecourse, said: “We have been thinking together about how we can maximize global attention to Midsummer in the UK, when there are fewer major events abroad in the UK than at other times of the year.”
“The idea behind the Midsummer Bonus is that the opening races take place in virtually the same week and this represents an opportunity to promote the entire week and all of its international options as a single unit. By linking the flagship mid-summer races at Ascot, Goodwood and York and promoting them together with premiums, we hope there will be greater incentive for horses to travel to the UK for this significant racing period of seven Group 1 races.
“As part of the bonus program, we offer the full cost of travel, accommodation and the like for the horses, as well as business class flights and hotels for connecting flights, just as is now expected at major international meetings around the world.”
Yoshito Yahagi, a leading trainer in Japan, said: “I am pleased to hear the news about this original bonus program, which is very attractive to owners and trainers in Japan. Ascot, Goodwood and York racecourses are highly regarded by Japanese trainers and this up-to-date program will certainly mean we take this into account when planning our international programme. I hope I can become the first trainer to win the King George and Sussex Stakes in the same year.”
