Chester Racecourse has announced an innovative new trial designed to reward winners drawn in higher stalls in the venue’s 5-furlong races, with the scheme set to debut at the forthcoming Midsummer Meeting on Saturday 25th July 2026.
The initiative, which was approved by the BHA this week, will see winners of selected 5f races receive a bonus payment based on their original draw position, with Chester Racecourse funding the scheme in its entirety.
The move comes amid the perceived advantage enjoyed by low-drawn horses in sprint races at tight, circular tracks such as Chester. Racecourse officials hope the trial will help create a more equitable and competitive environment while encouraging horses to remain in races following declarations.
Under the scheme, the winning owner, trainer, jockey and stable will receive an additional payment equivalent to the percentage of the winner’s prize corresponding to the horse’s original stall allocation, from stall 1 through to 15. For example, a horse drawn in stall nine would earn a bonus worth 9% of the winner’s prize, while a horse drawn in stall 10 would receive a 10% bonus, and so on.
For the two 5f contests staged on 25th July, each carrying a total prize fund of £15,000 and a winner’s prize of £7,731, a winner emerging from stall ten would receive an additional £773.10.
Importantly, bonus payments will be based on a horse’s original draw position at the declaration stage, regardless of any subsequent changes caused by non-runners.
Patrick Chesters, Racing Director at Chester Race Company, said: “The draw in our sprint races is a topic which is regularly discussed at Chester. While the uniqueness of our track is part of what makes racing here so compelling and lots of winners do come from high draws, we’ve been exploring ways to provide additional incentives for owners and trainers while addressing the perceived bias.
“This is a never-seen-before trial, one we hope will be viewed as a positive and progressive step as we seek practical solutions that benefit participants and encourage horses to remain in races after declarations.
“The reaction so far from owners and trainers has been very positive and we’re glad to have the support of the BHA. We’re looking forward to seeing how the trial goes at our Midsummer Meeting later this month.”
Reportedly, success will be measured based on the reaction from owners and trainers, and whether Chester sees a meaningful reduction in non-runners on this category of race. The scheme will be rolled out on 22nd August, Powells Ladies Day, then future fixtures depending on its success.
