Ascot Racecourse announced today a two-pronged increase in prize funds for the forthcoming jumps season. Total Prize Money (TPF) will increase by 10% from £1,667,000 in 2013/14 to £1,839,000. An additional £173,000 will also be available through Field Size Bonuses (FSB).
In all, £2,012,000 is on offer to owners and trainers targeting Ascot’s jumps races in 2014/15.
Details of TPF increases on last year and the Field Size Bonuses, which apply in the event of eight or more horses being declared for the relevant races, are attached.
Highlights include:
22/11/14 The two mile handicap chase now worth £70,000 (+£20,000 TPF)
22/11/14 The Amlin Chase worth £50,000 with a £25,000 FSB available
20/12/14 The Mappin & Webb Silver Cup more than doubling to £100,000 (+£56,500 TPF)
20/12/14 The JLT Long Walk Hurdle now worth £100,000 (+£25,000 TPF) and a £25,000 FSB
17/1/15 The two mile five furlong Sodexo Handicap Chase now worth £70,000 (+£20,000 TPF)
17/1/15 The Sodexo Clarence House Chase now worth £125,000 (+£20,000) and £25,000 FSB
These announcements were made at an Ascot-hosted dinner for the Irish jumps racing community at the Dunraven Arms, Adare, in advance of the Guinness Kerry National.
Johnny Weatherby, Chairman of Ascot, also unveiled plans for a £10,000 bonus for any horse placed (first four) in the Kerry National which goes on to win either the £100,000 United House Gold Cup at Ascot on 1st November or the £100,000 Mappin & Webb Silver Cup on 20th December (both similar 3m handicaps to the Kerry National).
“We are always looking to strengthen the competitiveness of our jumps programme at Ascot, and I hope we can attract more runners from Ireland in the season ahead.” Weatherby began.
“We have reviewed all our races and increased Total Prize Money in some cases and offered Field Size Bonuses in others. In the case of the Grade One Long Walk Hurdle and the Grade One Clarence House Chase, we have applied both.
“We have increased our Total Prize Money by 10% for 2014/15.
“Within extensive increases we are more than doubling the value of the three mile Mappin & Webb Silver Cup Handicap Chase at Christmas to £100,000.
“Additionally, I’m pleased to announce as we look forward to tomorrow’s Guinness Kerry National that the first four home will also be eligible for a £10,000 bonus should any of them win either The Mappin & Webb Silver Cup or the £100,000 United House Gold Cup in November.
“Field Size Bonuses reward owners and trainers for their support, particularly in races where we may be at risk of small fields. Bonuses will range from £25,000 for our top races like the Grade One Long Walk Hurdle, the Grade One Clarence House Chase and the Grade Two Amlin Chase, to targeted novice events, where the bonuses start at £5,000. The payments apply in the event of eight or more runners taking part.”
