A new “best turned out” series for National Hunt horses has been launched by Racing Welfare.
With a prize fund of £1,600 there’s more incentive than ever for grooms to have their runners looking super smart.
The series is sponsored by racing syndicate company EPDS Racing and kicks off at Huntingdon on Friday (27 January).
Each month a racecourse will host an “EPDS-Racing Welfare BTO series” qualifying race.
The groom who leads up the best turned-out horse in that race will receive £50 in cash plus a branded gilet.
Their yard then goes onto a league table, with the final being held at the Racing Welfare Charity raceday at Wincanton on 6 December.
The yard with the largest number points will receive a perpetual trophy and £1,000 cash prize, to be shared between the staff.
“Winning a ‘Best Turned Out’ is always popular with trainers, staff and owners alike,” said Richard Negus from Racing Welfare.
“With prizes of £1,000 for the winning yard and £600 for individual grooms up for grabs there is fair incentive to make sure those plaits are straight.”
The 12 qualifying races for the series
27 January – Huntingdon
11 February – Warwick
18 March – Carlisle
5 April – Ludlow
27 May – Fakenham
2 June – Stratford
31 July – Worcester
31 August – Bangor-on-Dee
29 September – Market Rasen
6 October – Fontwell
1 November – Wetherby
