Former Grand National-winning trainer Dr Richard Newland says that Irish domination is “killing” British jumps racing in unpopular interview.
Dr Richard Newland Slams Irish In Defence Of British Racing
The dual-purpose trainer has launched an attack on Irish stables, saying that they are “killing” British jumps racing after Willie Mullins trained nine winners at last week’s Cheltenham Festival.
He gave his views in an interview with RacingTV, and his words have not been taken lightly on social media. Newland has urged the BHA to act before it becomes too late.
The Droitwich-based trainer said the following: “National Hunt racing in Britain is in crisis,
“The BHA are recognising the rapid decline in British Jumps racing and the Irish dominance that is exacerbating this.
“Last season, there were almost 1,000 Irish jumps runners in the UK that won 128 races and took home over £6.5m of UK prize-money. In the same time, UK trained horses managed only one win in Ireland and landed a total of €121,000 in prize-money.
“There seems to be an advantage in horses being trained in Ireland. It is not clear what the cause of this advantage is but the knock-on effect on the British jump racing industry is huge,
“This season already, there have been 110 Irish wins in UK Jump races with over 80 Irish trainers competing in the UK and they are on course for well over 1,000 runners this season.”
It’s fair to say that the Irish trainers had another highly successful week at Prestbury Park, with 13 of the 16 grades races going to those stables.
Newland even said one option to help sort this problem of ‘Irish domination’ would be to “not allow Irish trained runners in the UK and make them non-eligible for the majority of our races”.
He also went on to say: “This Irish ‘advantage’ is killing National Hunt racing in the UK.”
Doing that could see a collapse of jumps racing in Britain all together, and there is no surprise he was greeted with such disagreement on social media by fans of the sport.
Every Cheltenham 2024 Grade 1 Race If Irish Entries Were Banned
The Irish made the majority of the entries in a lot of the big races again, so we have taken a look at the line-ups if only British-trained horses were involved.
Tuesday 12th March 2024
- Supreme Novices’ Hurdle: Favour And Fourtune, Tellherthename, Jeriko Du Reponet – (3)
- Arkle Chase: Authorised Speed, JPR One, Master Chewy, Matata – (4)
- Champion Hurdle: Not So Sleepy, Luccia, Nemean Lion, Iberico Lord – (4)
- Mares’ Hurdle: Marie’s Rock, Love Envoi, Theatre Glory, You Wear It Well – (4)
Total: 15
Wednesday 13th March 2024
- Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle: Jingko Blue, Handstands – (2)
- Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase: Stay Away Fay, Giovinco – (2)
- Champion Chase: Elixir De Nutz, Edwardstone, Funambule Sivola – (3)
- Champion Bumper: Union Avenue, Dirty Den, Quebecois, Royal Infantry, Stavvy, Bill Joyce, Sixmilebride, Teeshan – (8)
Total: 15
Thursday 14th March 2024
- Turners Novices’ Chase: Iroko, Grey Dawning, Ginny’s Destiny, Colonel Harry, Djelo, Le Patron, Jamaico – (7)
- Ryanair Chase: Protektorat, Ga Law, Stage Star, Fugitif, Hitman, Ahoy Senor – (6)
- Stayers’ Hurdle: Paisley Park, Dashel Drasher, Crambo – (3)
Total: 16
Friday 15th March 2024
- Triumph Hurdle: Ithaca’s Arrow, Salver, Mighty Bandit – (3)
- Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle: Captain Teague, Gidleigh Park, The Jukebox Man, Johnnywho – (4)
- Gold Cup: Bravemansgame, Nassalam, Corach Rambler, L’Homme Presse, The Real Whacker – (5)
Total: 12
Now you’re up to date with everything Dr Richard Newland said on Tuesday, keep an eye out for more updates here on safebettingsites.
