The Thoroughbred Breeders' Association and the British Horseracing Authority have launched the #thisfillycan campaign to promote the benefits of buying, owning and training fillies and mares for flat racing.
The BHA recently undertook a review to better understand the profile of fillies in training, their race opportunities and their ability to compete against colts over the last decade. In part, the review showed that about 700 flat races are now programmed exclusively for fillies, 40% more than 10 years ago; the median prize fund available in fillies' races was above that of open races in each of the last 10 years; and once rated 75, the average filly earns more prize money each season than the average colt. Below 75, both sexes earn a similar amount.
“Despite equal numbers of fillies and colts being born each year, by the time horses are registered in training, the split between fillies and colts is more commonly 40/60,” said BHA's Director of International Racing and Racing Development, Ruth Quinn. “Further, we have 1,296 more colts in training today than 10 years ago, but only 227 more fillies, albeit we are seeing a significant uplift in the quality of fillies, particularly those rated 85 and above. By highlighting the significant opportunities available to fillies, and their overall earning potential, we hope to close the gap by positively changing the perceptions of breeders, owners and trainers to realise that fillies can be an excellent prospect on the racetrack, which can only benefit all corners of the industry.”
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