In an effort to further discussions with horsemen and come to a resolution to the situation that has resulted in boycotts of some ARC meetings due to low prizemoney, Arena Racing Company revealed late Saturday that it will commit to unlocking levy contributions for all eligible races for the month of March.
ARC announced in December that it would cut nearly £3-million from its executive contributions to prizemoney, meaning that some of its lower level races fell below the level that would qualify them for additional levy funding. ARC confirmed in its Saturday statement that the cost of unlocking these races would not be taken from elsewhere in its programmes.
ARC Chief Executive Martin Cruddace said, “We are pleased to continue constructive dialogue with the National Trainers Federation. The racing industry has wider issues to address beyond this specific prize money debate, and we clearly have bridges to build. As such we are delighted that negotiations will begin on Tuesday. We are grateful to Nick Rust and his team at the BHA for assisting in brokering this moratorium, which will allow the time for these further talks to take place.”
NTF President Ann Duffield said, “We are pleased that we have been able to reach this position with ARC and have welcomed the spirt of the negotiations. We look forward to continuing further positive talks early next week. Our thanks also to BHA for their continued involvement in these discussions.”
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