British horse racing experienced several positive developments in 2025, including increases in total prize money and racecourse attendances. The British Horseracing Authority highlighted strong performances at major events while noting challenges in field sizes and betting turnover. The annual report outlines key statistics and future initiatives for the sport.
The 2025 racing season in Britain featured notable highlights, such as elite competitions including the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot in October and the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton later that year. Richard Wayman, BHA Director of Racing, emphasized the sport's ongoing appeal despite broader challenges, noting engagement through attendance, viewing, betting, and ownership.
Prize money rose by 3.5% to £194.7 million from £188.0 million in 2024. This included a 4% increase at Premier fixtures to £98.3 million and a 3% rise at Core fixtures to £96.4 million. On the Flat, totals grew 3.1% to £135.2 million, while over Jumps they increased 4.4% to £59.5 million. Funding sources comprised the Levy Board at £63.3 million (up 4.7%), racecourse contributions at £103.3 million (up 2.6%), and owners' entry fees at £26.8 million (up 3.1%), plus £1.3 million from the BHA Development Fund. Additional payments included nearly £6 million from the Great British Bonus and £750,000 for the Appearance Money Scheme.
For 2026, the Levy Board allocated £77.1 million, with an extra £4.4 million boosting prize money, particularly £3.2 million for developmental races (£2.5 million from Levy). Minimum values now stand at £10,000 for Flat novice and maiden races (£8,000 restricted), £10,000 for Jumps novice and maiden hurdles, and £15,000 for novice chases. Flat Black Type programmes received over £2 million more.
Field sizes declined overall, with Flat averages at 8.90 (from 9.14) and Jumps at 7.84 (from 8.49), influenced by variable rainfall. Premier fixtures improved to 11.02 on the Flat and 9.41 over Jumps, while Core fell to 8.65 and 7.63 respectively. Horses in training dropped 2.3% to 21,728, but high-quality runners rose slightly on the Flat to 1,423 and stabilized over Jumps at 489.
Attendances reached 5.031 million, up 4.8% from 4.800 million, with averages at 3,526 (up 3.6%). Under-18 visitors increased 17% to 211,447. Betting turnover fell 4.3% from 2024, with per-race averages down 5.6%; Premier fixtures saw a 1.1% rise, while Core declined 8.1%, attributed to regulatory changes and customer shifts.
The report concludes with optimism, supported by industry strategies to address declining horse numbers and betting pressures.
