Trainers support Lingfield’s Saturday morning meeting, finding it refreshing to have a runner during breakfast

The all-weather meeting in the Winter Million’s inaugural year in 2022 and last season had to be run in the afternoon because both jumping days were canceled due to a frozen turf track. However, in an effort to increase viewership and betting turnover on a Premier raceday with meetings at Ascot and Haydock, Lingfield’s fixture on the same day has been moved to a 10.10am start. Many trainers and industry professionals are interested in this change and believe it is worth exploring for potential benefits.

The £35,000 contest at Lingfield will be televised on ITV4 before coverage switches to ITV1 in the afternoon for seven live races at Ascot and Haydock, including the Grade 1 Clarence House Chase. The move to adjust the fixture list and attract higher viewing figures, as well as increase betting turnover, is seen as a positive step by many in the industry. The prize money for the Lingfield race is excellent, and trainers are encouraged to support this change in hopes that it will be successful. Flat trainers, in particular, find it opportune to trial this change as they are typically not very busy on a Saturday morning.

Lingfield’s meeting is just one of six morning fixtures scheduled for this year. The next is at Chelmsford on April 13, which is also the day of the Grand National. There will be additional morning fixtures in October, November, and December. Trainers who have to travel a long distance for these fixtures are not greatly affected, as they would normally go the night before anyway. The focus remains on pursuing higher prize money and taking advantage of these morning fixtures.

In conclusion, Lingfield’s morning fixture and the overall move to adjust the fixture list is seen as an opportunity to increase viewership, betting turnover, and prize money in the sport. Trainers and industry professionals are showing support for these changes and hope to see positive outcomes.