A revolutionary new franchise-led horse racing league is about to launch in 2026, with 12 of the world’s high jockeys, together with Frankie Dettori, Ryan Moore and William Buick, signed as much as compete within the $15 million World Racing League.
World Racing League places jockeys within the highlight
The World Racing League is a franchise-based worldwide sequence designed to modernise the game and enchantment to a youthful, world viewers. Every of the 12 riders will act as staff principal for their very own model and race in similar silks throughout as much as ten occasions annually.
Along with Dettori, Moore and Buick, the line-up contains James McDonald, Joao Moreira, Zac Purton, Christophe Lemaire, Mickael Barzalona, Yutaka Take, Irad Ortiz Jr, Flavien Prat and Vincent Ho. All 12 jockeys will maintain fairness of their groups and the league itself, guaranteeing full funding and promotion from the athletes concerned.
World Racing League venues embody Ascot, York and Leopardstown
Talks are underway with main racecourses to host fixtures. Ascot and York have confirmed discussions, whereas Leopardstown and different European tracks like Longchamp and Chantilly are additionally into account.
Nick Smith of Ascot Racecourse praised the innovation: “It’s jockey-led with full fairness and buy-in. It’s been effectively thought via to keep away from conflicts with the Sample.”
Industrial imaginative and prescient and youth enchantment
Co-founded by former Godolphin CEO John Ferguson and Entain government Lachlan Fitt, the league goals to safe business companions and media rights that might push its prize fund to $15 million. Fitt highlighted the dearth of worldwide racing icons and sees this league as an opportunity to vary that.
William Buick, contemporary from his Guineas weekend double at Newmarket, stated: “It is a distinctive alternative to make use of our platforms to develop racing worldwide.”
Designed to enrich, not compete
The World Racing League is not going to intrude with Sample races. Occasions are deliberate round main festivals and designed to supply fast-paced, accessible leisure for each die-hard followers and new viewers. Every fixture will characteristic six races the place all 12 jockeys rating factors towards their franchise’s standings.
Feminine jockeys to be included in future
Whereas the preliminary line-up contains solely male riders, Fitt confirmed: “We stay up for welcoming the perfect feminine jockeys as we increase the league.”
Conclusion
The World Racing League is an bold, athlete-led initiative poised to reshape the best way horse racing is promoted and consumed. With jockeys as stakeholders and stars, and media-driven presentation at its core, the league may be the spark wanted to modernise racing for a brand new era.
