News
We are thrilled that the Great British Bonus (GBB) is now live, offering multiple bonuses of up to £20,000 per eligible race for British-bred fillies and mares. Its aim is to increase the number of British-bred horses in racing and, so, safeguard the future of British breeding.
GBB is for breeders, owners and winning connections of British-bred Flat and Jump fillies and mares who race successfully in Britain, and replaces the NH MOPS and Plus10 schemes.
Devised and implemented by The Thoroughbred Breeders Association (TBA), GBB is regarded as a self-help initiative that demonstrates the breeding sectors commitment at this critical time, when racing and breeding are facing up to financial concerns raised by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Nigel Huddleston MP, Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said: The new racehorse breeding incentive scheme the Great British Bonus will provide benefits to British racing and the breeding industry, which make a significant economic and cultural contribution to rural and economic life.
The scheme will help the sport continue to thrive by supporting employment and livelihoods, while enhancing the reach and reputation of British racing and breeding."
GBB aims to ensure that more British-bred fillies and mares are sought as racehorses, while encouraging breeders to race fillies and owners to retain them. This will support the economics of Thoroughbred production and selection for breeding on the basis of proven racing ability at all levels.
TBA chairman Julian Richmond-Watson said: A scheme underpinning all pillars of the industry is the best way to support Thoroughbred breeding operations in Britain, and when key participants benefit, those funds are more likely to be reinvested into the British racing industry.
GBB evolved from the latest economic impact studies commissioned by the TBA, and, after extensive collaboration across the industry, it will focus on assisting key areas of the race programme and horse population that can shape the future diversity of the breed.
Richmond-Watson added: We are pleased to be able to deliver bonuses this year, with the number of races rising to approximately 3,000 in 2022. Breeders, owners, trainers, jockeys, stable staff and pin-hookers can all benefit from the scheme, which supports the long-term sustainability of our industry.
We are extremely grateful to all those who have helped deliver this initiative, most notably the Levy Board and steering groups, which have worked tirelessly on this project.
On the Flat, two-year-old fillies already paid up for Plus10 will be registered automatically to GBB, giving them the chance to win more than double the current bonus, as well as multiple prizes. There will be more than 160 eligible races in 2020.
Over jumps, all NH MOPS-registered fillies and mares will be transferred immediately to the enhanced GBB scheme. More than 1,150 eligible races will be run this year.
Richard Wayman, Chief Operating Officer at the BHA said: The importance of a vibrant and robust British Thoroughbred breeding industry for the future of our sport cannot be overstated. Now, more than ever, action is required to support our breeders, and the introduction of the Great British Bonus is a key part of this, offering a significant financial incentive for racehorse owners to invest in British-bred fillies.
As well as boosting demand at the sales, the scheme should encourage more fillies to be tried on the racecourse. This important and necessary initiative is sure to have a positive influence in the years ahead.
For further details, including information on registrations, click here or contact the scheme manager, Grant Pritchard-Gordon, on 07785 277438.