Thoroughbred Group Opposes Trainer Boycott Over Interview Payment

Discontent within the equestrian community is escalating as the Professional Racing Association (PRA), representing about 170 trainers, threatens to boycott interviews unless they receive £500,000 from media rights holders like Sky Sports and ITV. While the PRA argues that the funds would benefit the sport rather than individual trainers, dissenting voices, including the National Trainers Federation (NTF), warn that such actions could undermine ongoing negotiations and are not in the best interest of racing. Trainers like Dan Skelton support the demand, emphasizing the need for recognition of their contributions, while others, such as Hugo Palmer, criticize the boycott as a misguided strategy. The Thoroughbred Group advocates for collaborative solutions to improve revenue distribution instead of boycotts, highlighting the ongoing challenges of declining prize money in the sport. The situation remains tense as trainers prepare for key races at Sandown and Musselburgh, and the impact of any boycott on the coverage of these events is uncertain. The outcome of these discussions could shape the future dynamics of media relations within horse racing.