Publish Time Test: FreeTipping

Earlier finishes to around 18 fixtures in April, May and September are expected next year as part of changes made by the BHA, while a trial of ending two all-weather floodlit meetings a week 30 minutes earlier at 8pm will take place during the opening nine weeks of 2026.

The NTF said the changes were “encouraging” for the wellbeing of participants “who have seen the demands that the sport places on them increase markedly in recent years”, with the PJA also supportive of “the retention of key welfare-based initiatives”.

However, Dale Gibson, PJA executive racing director, said: “The sheer volume of planned fixtures for 2026 continues to place enormous pressure and demands on jockeys and their families, as well as everyone else who services the fixture list.