British racetrack operator to honor Group 1 breeders

Jockey Club Racecourses, the operator of 15 major tracks in the United Kingdom, will award trophies to every breeder of a Group 1 winner at each of its properties going forward, Racing Post reports.

Previously, the group only honored the winning breeders of certain major races, but that will be expanded to every Group 1 race beginning July 12 with the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket.

Jockey Club Racecourses will also offer the breeder of each entry in a Group 1 race two complementary passes for the day’s card.

"Breeders are vital to our sport," Stephen Wallis, group director of international and racing relations, told Racing Post. "Without them we would have no horses, and clearly without horses we would have nothing. The Jockey Club is delighted to take the lead in recognizing breeders' achievements.”

Wallis also said that further Jockey Club initiatives would be announced soon.

Formed in 1964, Jockey Club Racecourses’ portfolio includes Aintree, Newmarket, Kempton Park, Cheltenham, Epsom Downs and Sandown Park, among other properties.

"It has long been an ambition of the [Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association] to see winning breeders receive more recognition on the racecourse," said TBA Chief Executive Louise Kemble. "I am delighted that Jockey Club Racecourses has been the first to provide trophies for all winning breeders of Group 1 races. We very much hope that where The Jockey Club leads, other racecourses will follow."