Bath not Doncaster to kick-off Flat season as BHA releases 2027 fixture list

In a break with tradition, the Flat turf season in 2027 will start at Bath rather than Doncaster.

The fixture list released by the British Horseracing Authority on Thursday revealed Bath will host turf racing on Good Friday, March 26, with the two-day Lincoln meeting at Doncaster starting on April 3.

The latter comes just before Aintree's three-day Grand National Festival beginning on April 8. Cheltenham runs from March 16-19 and Royal Ascot opens on June 15.

A total of 1,440 fixtures will be staged, down 18 from 2026. However, despite the slight reduction, the BHA's director of racing Richard Wayman said in a blog last week that the total number of programmed races will remain similar.

He added: “We already know that different parties across the sport have a different view on whether the 2027 fixture list should have been cut. Primarily with customers in mind, some have argued for a contraction even though that would mean less money coming into the sport, at least in the immediate term. Others, meanwhile, believe that we should prioritise income levels, and therefore prize-money, to avoid a further decline in racehorse ownership, even though that means field sizes are likely to remain under pressure at times of the year,

“In the end and after considerable debate, the BHA board concluded that the sport's interests would be best served by seeking to support prize money and our long-term growth agenda, meaning, therefore, the volume of racing would remain largely unchanged in 2027.”

Jockeys Question Refusal To Cut

In response to the publication of the fixture list, the Professional Jockeys Association said in a statement: “The PJA, our board and our members are somewhat surprised at the BHA board's decision to agree no material change to the 2027 fixture list.

“It is a risky strategy considering the declining broodmare band and foal crop, staff retention issues and the continuous strain on participants and others that results from servicing the relentless nature of the fixture list. Whilst we disagree with the board's decision, we respect their right to take it and hope it is a decision that is proven to be the correct one.

“The PJA has said repeatedly when it comes to the fixture list that we can't keep doing the same thing and expecting different results. We do therefore welcome the fact that proposals are being put before the Horserace Betting Levy Board for a package of measures which, if approved, will provide further, meaningful incentives for the breeding, training, and owning of horses in Britain.

“The process of creating the fixture list is not an easy one. We appreciate the hard work of the BHA's race planning team and will continue to play an active and constructive role in trying to positively address the issues we face.”

Trainers Warn Of Sub-Optimal Offering

The National Trainers Federation described the fixture list as “sub-optimal for the sport”.

A statement read: “As detailed in our strategy document back in March, 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 cost savings for the sport whilst providing a better offering to racing's consumers. 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 great, entertaining sport at its heart if we are to ensure that our customers continue to enjoy all that we have to offer.”