Ascot, Goodwood, and York have unveiled a lucrative bonus scheme aimed at encouraging the participation of high-class runners from outside Europe in three of Britain’s biggest all-age races across July and August.
The British Midsummer Bonus incentivizes trainers and owners who are considering sending a challenger for either the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) at Ascot or the Sussex Stakes (G1T) at Goodwood to bring over a horse for the other race, while further appearance money is on offer to overseas-based challengers who stay on in Britain after either race to run in the International Stakes (G1).
Globetrotting trainer Yoshito Yahagi said that the three tracks were “adored” in Japan and believes the bonus scheme means the three races will be given “added consideration” by international trainers.
“I am excited to hear the news about this original bonus scheme, which is very attractive for owners and trainers in Japan,” said Yahagi, whose Bathrat Leon finished fourth to Baaeed in the 2022 Sussex Stakes, but who has yet to field a runner in either the King George or the International Stakes.
“Ascot, Goodwood, and York are adored by Japanese trainers, and this new scheme will certainly mean we give consideration to the venture when we plan our international program. I hope I can become the first trainer (in the era of the bonus) to win the King George and Sussex Stakes in the same year.”
The bonus for the trainer or owner from outside Europe to saddle the winner of both the King George and the Sussex Stakes—run four days later—is £1 million, while £250,000 will be paid to connections who have a horse placed in both races.
The winner of either race would then be eligible for a £250,000 bonus should they line up in the International, while the incentive for any of the placed horses from the King George or the Sussex who then go on to York is £150,000.
“We have been collectively considering how to maximize global attention on the midsummer period in Britain, when there are fewer major overseas events taking place than at other times of the year,” said Ascot’s director of racing, Nick Smith. “The thinking behind the Midsummer Bonus is that the opening races are, effectively, the same week, and this presents an opportunity to promote the whole week and all its international options as one entity.
“By linking the high-summer flagship races at Ascot, Goodwood and York and promoting them together, with bonuses, we are hoping that there is a greater incentive to travel horses to the UK for this significant spell of racing with seven Group 1s.”
York managing director William Derby said: “The prestige of this high-summer spell of racing, when Britain can shine with the spotlight on it, is widely acknowledged, and this promotion further demonstrates the commitment of all three courses to showcasing our racing on the global stage.
“York will be paying an additional £50,000 in appearance fees for any horses traveling under this scheme should they go to the Juddmonte International, recognizing of course that milers and mile-and-a-half horses can go the 10-furlong route. The £50,000 goes up to £150,000 should any horse be placed at Ascot or Goodwood and £250,000 if they have won.”
