Response to the publication of the 2027 Fixture List

As detailed in our strategy document published in March 2026 (view HERE), the NTF view is that the Fixture List continues to be sub-optimal for the sport. Although the decision to maintain race volume, and the commercial realities behind that, is understood, it is our belief that it is vital for the sport to seek to optimise the fixture list in the coming years. As laid out in that strategy document, doing so can deliver costs savings for the sport whilst providing a better offering to the customer. At the same time, there are opportunities to provide a better work/life balance for the people who are vital to our sport.

We go into 2027 with an expectation that consumers will be provided with lower average field sizes and fewer each way betting opportunities than at any point in recent memory and, although we support the initiatives put in place to seek to mitigate the decline, we are mindful that their impact will not be immediate. Stakeholders need to support the BHA Board in devising a strategy which has providing great, entertaining sport at its heart if we are to ensure that our customers continue to enjoy all that we have to offer.

You can read the BHA’s fixture list announcement in full HERE.