As far as prize money levels go, British racing has been something of a poor relation for years compared to other major jurisdictions, and that reputation has hardly been helped by the pandemic. But there’s another side to the story in the shape of a bonus scheme introduced last year that has proved a massive shot in the arm for many connections.
The Great British Bonus (GBB), which is aimed at rewarding the owners and breeders of British-bred horses that race successfully in Britain, has distributed more than £1.65 million in just eight months and is on track to have paid out at least £2 million in prize money within a year of its launch last June.
The scheme has been a lifeline throughout the pandemic, supporting owners, breeders, trainers, jockeys and stable staff. There have been 109 winners of GBB races so far, including six multiple winners on the flat and nine multiple winners over jumps.
The owner, breeder and trainer of young sprinter Blackberry have had three wins, resulting in £60,000 in bonuses. And, over jumps, Perfect Myth and Anythingforlove have each won £40,000 for their connections.
‘I’ve never won so much’
Richard Vines, owner-breeder of Perfect Myth, said, “I’ve never won so much in all my years in racing. This ensures that we can keep breeding from this wonderful family for a few more years.”
Dan Abraham, syndicate manager of Foxtrot Racing, has also won two bonuses, totalling £40,000 with the 6-year-old mare Anythingforlove. He says, “The bonus payments alone have covered all costs for the syndicate for next season.”
Blackberry, though, leads the way with three wins in GBB races, picking up a massive £60,000 in bonuses to date. Bryan Smart, part-owner and trainer, has almost run out of words of praise for his tough filly, but not the GBB scheme. “Every trainer should be buying GBB fillies for their owners,” he said.
The scheme has also provided support for stallion owners, by increasing nomination sales in 2021.
Ed Harper, owner of Whitsbury Manor Stud, said, “If breeders are undecided about using one of our stallions, reminding them of the GBB scheme has proved invaluable in getting the nomination sold.”
Scheme manager Grant Pritchard-Gordon believes GBB is a huge incentive for the British racing and breeding community. It has – and will – continue to give significant financial support throughout 2021.
He said, “GBB has already paid out more than £1.65 million in bonuses and is on track to hit £2 million within a year of launching. This shows the huge impact the scheme has had on the industry at an otherwise dark time.
“A scheme like this has never been more needed and will continue to support the British industry, offering hope as we make our way through a third national lockdown.”
The final stage of registration for 2019 flat fillies closes on Sunday, February 28. Click here to register now to be in with the chance of winning multiple bonuses.
For more information, contact Pritchard-Gordon at grant@greatbritishbonus.co.uk