Sarah Oliver, chief executive of the Amateur Jockeys Association (AJA), has expressed her deep disappointment over the decision to allow professional jockeys to compete in the National Hunt Chase, a race traditionally restricted to amateurs.
Previously one of three races at the Cheltenham Festival reserved for amateur riders, alongside the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup and the St James’s Place Festival Hunter Chase, the National Hunt Chase will now be run as a novice handicap chase for horses rated 0-145. This three-mile-six-furlong race has held Grade Two status in recent years and underwent significant changes in 2020, including a reduction in distance from four miles due to low completion rates.
Oliver lamented not only the loss of amateur status but also the lack of consultation from the Jockey Club before this decision. "The change in race conditions for the National Hunt Chase is bitterly disappointing for amateur jockeys, particularly as we were only informed of this change this morning without the opportunity to defend its status," she stated.
She further emphasised the impact on racing heritage, noting, "It feels especially harsh to see our racing traditions altered and for our talented amateur jockeys to miss out on participating in such a historic race. Many successful professional National Hunt jockeys began their careers in amateur racing, and it's crucial that we provide opportunities for these riders to showcase their skills."
In light of the race being removed from the amateur calendar, Cheltenham’s clerk of the course, Jon Pullin, has agreed to consider adding a compensatory race to the season's program.
Since 2015, the National Hunt Chase has been dominated by top Irish amateurs like Patrick Mullins, Jamie Codd, and Derek O’Connor, each of whom has achieved notable success in the race. Codd shared his disappointment, stating, "It’s hugely disappointing from an amateur perspective. Even with the new conditions, they could have kept it an amateur race. Winning the National Hunt Chase is a highlight for many amateurs, and taking that opportunity away is difficult to understand."
He added, "We need amateurs in this sport to inspire new talent. While there are still other races available, removing this one could deter young people from pursuing amateur riding."
In the past, eligibility criteria for amateur jockeys included participating in at least 20 races and winning five times over fences, which some trainers found challenging. The field sizes for the race have also been a concern, with seven horses competing this year and ten in 2023.
A spokesperson for the Jockey Club highlighted that the decision aimed to increase field sizes and address the limited pool of eligible amateur jockeys since the 2019 restrictions were introduced. They reiterated the importance of amateur jockeys at the Festival and confirmed that both the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase and St James’s Place Festival Hunters’ Chase will remain restricted to amateurs.