27.03.2023

The Word of AFAC: prize money levels and the number of horses are on the rise

At the backend of 2022, France Galop's Board of Directors rubber stamped the 2023 budget, in which the package of incentive measures was increased to the tune of €10 million. The represents an increase of 3.7 per cent, or an additional €90,000, for the PA sector.

The harmonisation process of prize money levels relative to the class of race, which had got underway in 2022, will therefore come full circle in 2023! All 3-year-old 'Premium' races have had their purses increased to €18,000 (up from €16,000). 'Premium' races for 4-year-old races – and those in the 4-year-olds plus division – will similarly be increased from €14,000 to €16,000.

Consequently, all the professionals which underpin the dynamism of the PA sector, are delighted with these developments. The feel good factor is therefore reflected in the increase in our prize money levels, and also translates in the number of PA horses in training.

The number of PA 3-year-olds has increased by 58 per cent since 2021

As of March 1^st, 2023, the head count relative to the PA breed reveals the presence of 379 horses, which needs to be set against the respective 2022 and 2021 figures of 349 and 308. The most discerning hike relates to the number of PA 3-year-olds which currently number 239. The equivalent figures of 2022 and 2021 were respectively 203 and 151.

AFAC continues to closely monitor the evolution of these numbers, and so regularly consults with trainers in order to tailor the racing calendar accordingly. A racing programme commission comprising trainers, breeders and bloodstock agents meets at the end of each year. This gives rise to discussions designed to improve the racing calendar.

The breeding element

Given that the breeding season is now in full swing we would like to remind all breeders:

- That the ICSI process is currently banned under the rules of PA racing: The intracytoplasmic sperm injection – or ICSI for short – artificially replicates the fertilisation of the oocyte. This entails injecting a sperm cell directly into a female gamete. It’s important to note that the WAHO guidelines (rule no. 21) – which came into force on January 1^st, 2013 – specify that no horse, resulting from in vitro fertilization process, is eligible for inclusion in an Arabian Horse Stud Book.

So don't run the risk of your horse being ineligible for the stud book by indulging the practice of ICSI!!

- The 2023 breeding season protocols can be referenced using the following link: https://www.afac-france.com/userfiles/files/prive/2472-Protocole-de-monte-2023.pdf

The forthcoming ACA elections

Lastly, we would like to inform you that the Association Nationale Française du Cheval Arabe pur-sang et demi-sang (ACA), the only recognised authority by the Ministry of Agriculture relative to the Arabian Horse Stud Book, will hold its General Assembly on Saturday April 1^st at Saint-Étienne-de-Tulmont. 

Administrative posts are up for grabs and members of the AFAC board will be fielding candidates in this election. In order to defend the interests of the PA racing industry on the ACA board, it’s important to support the candidates on the AFAC ticket.

Members who have paid their ACA 2023 membership fees will soon receive their invitations and documentation relative to the General Assembly. So we are hopeful, therefore, that many of you will subscribe to ACA membership this year.

Many novelties are in the offing for the 2023 racing season, which we plan to share with you shortly!

So do join us on the racecourse, where our very best horses will be getting their campaigns underway, and when you factor in, too, the coming into the world of our youngest horses, the 2023 season promises to be an excellent one.