Chelmsford City Leads in Average Prize Money Across Key Racing Categories in 2024

Figures published by the Racehorse owners Association (ROA) have highlighted the tracks that offer the highest average prize-money per race at core fixtures in the first six months of the year, with Chelmsford City topping the table in two categories.

Entering into the second quarter of 2024, with the first two programme books for the year published, a comprehensive comparison of average prize money offered by UK racecourses is now possible. The statistics published by the ROA cover fixtures scheduled through until June 23, 2024, encompassing Classes 4, 5, and 6 across both flat and National Hunt races.

Chelmsford City has continued to be a leader in supporting the UK’s horse racing industry by offering exceptional prize money in several race classes. The racecourse continues to lead the charts in Class 5 races for two-year-olds, and in races for three-year-olds and older in Class 6. Additionally, Chelmsford secured second place for Class 5 races for three years and older and placed fourth in Class 4 races for the same age group.

The racecourse notably stands out further with an average prize amount of £18,667 for Class 5 two-year-old races, significantly boosted by its Good Friday event, which boasted a total prize pot of £250,000. It also ranks first in Class 6 level races for three-year-olds, offering an average of £9,184.

The detailed tables showcased the top ten racecourses providing the highest average prize money per race at their core fixtures, segmented by age and race type. The valuable information was distributed to support owners and trainers in making informed decisions about where to compete.

Neil Graham, Chelmsford City’s Director of Racing, said: “Our core product is floodlit racing between September and March and our key races are those at Classes 4, 5 and 6 level. We have made a conscious effort to bolster purses having reviewed our media rights payments. We do look at our media rights payments and do the best we can in terms of putting that money into purses, based on what we can afford.”
He continued: “We’re close to Newmarket and get loyal support from the town, but people like Charlie Johnston have lots of runners and we get plenty of trainers from Lambourn.”

Prize money plays a crucial role in the racing industry, influencing decisions that can impact a horse’s career. Chelmsford City’s commitment to maintaining high prize-money standards underscores its dedication to the sustainability of horse racing.