The most powerful figure in the Jockey Club has warned against the popular notion that the Cheltenham Festival will soon be extended to five days. Simon Bazalgette, the chief executive, also declared that Channel 4 must improve audience figures in its second year of exclusive racing coverage.
Speaking exclusively to The Times, Bazalgette said that Britain’s prize money deficiencies can be addressed by allocating more fixtures on a strict merit basis and proposed further clarification of core seasons, including new championships for trainers and jockeys.
Bazalgette, whose remit covers both Cheltenham and Aintree in the Jockey Club racecourse portfolio, is rightly proud of the public bond innovation that is largely funding a £45 million redevelopment of jump racing’s headquarters.
Many have assumed that the Festival