Right folks, im drafting a new schedule for the NHC and would like your thoughts on a few things im considering doing.

1. Shorten season from 17 weeks to 12 or 13 weeks (this will mean we can get 3 seasons in a year and maybe get a progression of horses from Hurdler to Chaser)

2. Increase races from 18 to 22 or 23 races a week

3. To keep the same horses together in there Novice divisions put a age restriction onto them i.e. 4yo-5yo only for all NOVICE events.

If Dodgy Dave can implement into TOM proper Novice Rules then i would be happy with that but it might be a big ask and the age restrictions seem to be the easier option.

4. All other races 6yo+, except Juvenile Hurdles and NHF

5. Make Moores millions a permanent fixture as well, having qualifier races as a entry way into the big million pound races.

6. Ensure Graded handicaps have a ratings range (i.e. GD3 handicap entries between 110-129, GD2 handicap 130-149 and GD 1 Handicap 150-180)

My ideal week would be 1 NH Flat, 2 Maidens, 4 Restricted, 4 Novice/Juvenile races, 5 Graded races (Including graded novice events) , 7 H'caps (This would include Graded H'caps but no more than 2 per week)

Let me know what you think.


This post has been edited to include Hurricanes very valid point

3yo only for novice hurdle seems strange tho ?? i mean dunguib was 7 running in a novice hurdle wasnt he??

i would of liked to keep the juvenile hurdle races for 3yo's and maybe have the 4 and 5 year olds as possible novice horses

I know what you mean and it is the easiest option....maybe a little more thought is needed.



See opening post for edited ideas

i like it jackdaw!!

i know where you were coming from, as someone could have a young hurdler and take them on to be a good chaser. Thing is with so4 i dont think it works quite like that - i know some horses are good at both types of jump but i find my jumpers are mostly good at one type.

I like the edited post, sounds like a promising start

Sorry don`t have much time, supposed to be working.

Looks ok apart from other races been 6yo+.
I`ve had a few nice juveniles who have gone novice chasing as 4yo`s. Aw Cm On is a juvenile in my current stable who i had planned on sending chasing next season (won`t be doing that now).

i know mate. so4 works in a way that a horse can be good at hurdles, chases, or both. they can be at their best at any particular age which makes the age restrictions quite difficult for the nhc

1. I'm happy with 17 weeks, 3 seasons would be nice but potentially too intense

2. I'd only increase the number of races if it makes sense to do it, quality over quantity to start with but lots of quality isnt bad.

I like the sound of the others as long as technically they can be implemented.

Another little problem is a winning juvenile hurdler is no longer classed as a novice hurdler as a 4yo. This was also a problem in real racing and the introduction of intermediate races was implemented back in the 90`s.

Maybe 4yo+ for hurdle races and 5yo+ for chases may work better. If novice races are valuable enough and strategically placed to clash with other big races of similar distance trainers would think hard about which race to enter a novice.

rich - any update on cheltenham?