The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has announced many Jump racing Programme changes officially confirmed for 2025/26, which are intended to support the development of horses at an early stage in their careers. The changes will take immediate effect, enabling young horses to learn, improve, and demonstrate their potential in competitive racing conditions.
The changes follow consultations with stakeholders and participants in a broader attempt to support British Jump racing. The Programme intends to prepare the next generation of horses for future success by refining novice chases, hurdle races, and regional series.
One of the most significant changes is the move to more weight-for-age novice steeplechases. Many of the Class 3 Novices’ Limited Handicap Chases have been removed and replaced with new “Chasing Excellence” Beginner/Novices’ Chases.
These races will be run at an increased minimum value of £12,000 at Class 3, rising to £15,000 in 2026. This is not only a positive step towards improving the level of competition in novice chases, but also a fairer opportunity for novice horses to develop their potential without too many handicaps too early.
To ensure that the best young horses compete at an appropriate level, the BHA has introduced new eligibility criteria for Grade 1 Novices’ and Juvenile Hurdle races.
From the 2025/26 season, horses must carry a minimum rating of 110, either through an official handicap rating or through having demonstrated that ability in a hurdle race. This change brings Grade 1 Novices’ and Juvenile Hurdles into line with other Grade 1 races, such as the chases, where only horses with a proven level of ability will progress to the top level.
The Junior National Hunt Hurdles Programme has also been revised to allow horses to be given more time to mature. The first races will now take place later in the year, again to allow horses more time to develop before tackling hurdles.
Other changes include:
All of these changes aim to enhance flexibility and be more encouraging for young horses developing through the Programme.
The Go North Series, which concludes with the finals weekend at Kelso, Musselburgh, and Carlisle, has also been updated. The finals will now see all prize funds rise to a minimum of £40,000 per race, making this one of the most significant events in the northern region.
A wider review of the Programme has taken place to ensure that the series continues to offer the equitable and entertaining racing, with these enhanced funds giving more opportunity to the connections in the North to run their race horses and boost the current attractiveness of the regional racing circuit.
According to Tom Byrne, Head of Racing and Betting at the BHA, these are key updates for the future of British Jump racing.
He noted that the intention is to create development pathways for young horses to fulfil their potential while raising the overall quality of racing. Byrne said that some developments, such as the changes to novice chases, will lead to a smaller field size in the short term, but confirmed that the long-term impact will be of more value to the sport.
"These are all steps in the right direction that will assist the longer-term viability of British Jumps racing," said Byrne. "By refining novice sections, targeting better standards in Grade 1 hurdlers and enhancing opportunities in the North, we are working to ensure that the sport is still competitive and rewarding."
The confirmed changes to the 2025/26 Jump Programme signify a clear shift towards establishing a much stronger basis for young horses in Britain. From increasing prize money in the Go North Series to clarifying the eligibility conditions in Grade 1 hurdles to a revision of novice chases, the developments are all made with the focus on long-term sustainability.
While the benefits may take time to show fully, the Programme changes demonstrate a clear commitment to developing talent, sharpening competition and reinforcing the future of British Jumping.
The BHA has made revisions to novice chases, Grade 1 hurdles, Junior National Hunt Hurdles and increased prize money for the Go North Series.
Limited handicap chases would be replaced by weight-for-age novice races, to give young horses a fair chance of progressing before handicapping.
From 2025/26, any horses entered into Grade 1 Novice and Juvenile Hurdles must have a rating of 110 or above, ensuring only proven talent competes at the top level.
The Go North Series will increase the prize money, with all final races having a minimum of £40,000, to support a stronger regional competition.
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