On Wednesday we ran a story which has been very well read highlighting the decline in two-year-olds seen during the spring racing which got us to wondering what’s driving it – lack of races or lack of horses?
Click here to read Times are Changing and So is the Way in Which We Race Our 2YOs.
There has been a 48% decline in the number of two-year-olds racing up until December 1, and indeed the pattern flows through to the start of Autumn where there has been a 24% decline in numbers racing prior to April 1.
In a chicken or the egg scenario it does prompt the question of is this happening because there are less two year-olds available to run in the spring, or are there less races being programmed, forcing the hand of owners and trainers to withhold their youngsters through lack of opportunity.
We were contacted by Rosemont Stud boss Anthony Mithen who outlined his opinion and his changes in direction for Rosemont owned horses:
“We’ve tipped 2yos out that are ready to race because the programming makes us. No races to enter…no point paying training fees.
“I feel it’s the PRAs (Principal Racing Authorities) that have forced the shift, rightly or wrongly.
“For one the Ottawa Stakes has been moved to the Autumn and I reckon there’s a number of other two-year-old races now not there.
“I’ve taken my time this year with breaking and educating 2yos as I just don’t think there’s enough races to run in prior to Xmas. Focus on the Autumn. A few trainers haven’t liked it but it makes sense for me.
“I’m not averse to later racing, but I do get a little frustrated when reading that breeders/owners aren’t supporting early 2yo racing.
“There needs to be races to support the decision to stay in work and keep paying training fees.”
We ran the stats on two-year-old racing up to this weekend for the past 10 years – the first Saturday in December – and the decline is stark, particularly in the total number of races available.
While it’s not quite as dramatic for races worth $50,000 or more, those are also significantly affected.
Stakes racing has actually remained static in numbers with eight each year. The period includes the restricted Listed Inglis Banner, and while the Ottawa Stakes has indeed been lost in Victoria, the Phelan Ready Stakes in Queensland has been moved earlier in recent years.
This season there have been 35 two-year-old races in total, 27 of which are worth $50,000 or more and $4.7million available.
In 2016 there were 67 races with 34 worth $50,000 or more and $4.16million available.
That’s a 48% drop in total races and a 20% drop in those worth good money.
The peak year came in 2019 with 59 races available, 39 worth $50,000 or more and close to $5.9million up for grabs.
That’s a 41% drop in total races in the last six years, and a 31% drop in those worth $50k plus.
Prizemoney available also makes for interesting viewing.
10 years ago there was $4,158,500 in total whilst this season the figure is $4,737,500. A 14% increase over the period.
What’s a little more sobering is that in 2019 there was $5,879,500 available, thanks to the arrival of the $1mil Golden Gift, but now sees this season at a 19% deficit on that figure.
If you’ve got a thought on two-year-old racing and its direction, drop us a line at media@breednet.com.au.
