The ARC All-Weather Bonus is a significant initiative introduced by the Arena Racing Company (ARC) to enhance the appeal of all-weather horse racing in the UK. Founded in 2012, Arena Racing Company (ARC) has been a pioneer in the racing industry introducing innovative race series such as the All-Weather Championships and the all-ladies Silk Series. The scheme offers substantial cash bonuses to horses that win multiple races across ARC’s all-weather tracks during the season. It is designed to reward consistency and excellence on the ARC’s all-weather racecourses: Lingfield Park, Newcastle, Southwell and Wolverhampton. The bonus is structured to reward both horses and their connections, including owners, trainers and jockeys for their achievements on these surfaces.
Over the years, ARC has expanded its racing operations through the acquisition of racecourses and greyhound stadia, while also strengthening its presence in the media sector. By controlling media rights and forging partnerships with The Racing Partnership, At The Races and Sky Sports Racing, ARC has built a thriving media business that continues to grow. Despite being a relatively young company, ARC boasts a rich heritage deeply rooted in British racing.
All Weather Championships
The All-Weather Championships is a prestigious race series designed to challenge every horse, jockey and trainer It offers substantial prize money and exciting betting opportunities for punters. Spanning hundreds of fixtures across six courses, this demanding series delivers high-quality racing from October to Good Friday. All-weather racing accounts for about a fifth of British fixtures, attracting top trainers, leading owners and the best jockeys making it a prime event for bettors looking to place strategic wagers on consistent performers. For those interested in exploring betting opportunities, platforms like www.oddspodden.com offer insights and analyses on horse racing events, current standings and upcoming races. These resources provide valuable information for both seasoned bettors and newcomers looking to engage with the all-weather racing scene.
Established in 2013 by ARC, the All-Weather Championships aimed to enhance the quality and reputation of all-weather racing while encouraging owners and trainers to keep their horses in training during the winter months. Since its inception, the series has expanded significantly, with an increasing number of high-calibre races and a growing prize pool, giving bettors more chances to engage with markets such as win, place and each-way bets. The highlight of the series is the £1 million All-Weather Championships Finals Day, held at Newcastle on Good Friday. It is the richest all-weather racecard in Europe and ranks among the most lucrative race days in the UK. Additionally, the All-Weather Vase Fixture, taking place on the same day at Lingfield Park, boasts a prize fund exceeding £390,000 further increasing the stakes for both participants and bettors.
The All-Weather Championships comprises six categories, each designed to test participants rigorously and provide bettors with multiple betting angles. The 3-Year-Old Championships determine the best three-year-old all-weather colts, fillies, and geldings, with a final over six furlongs (1,200m), offering great potential for punters looking at emerging talent. The Sprint Championships showcase top four-year-old and older sprinters, culminating in a final over six furlongs and one yard (1,208m), a category known for tight finishes and fast-paced action, making it a favourite for forecast and tricast bets. The Mile Championships identify the finest all-weather milers, with a final over eight furlongs (1,600m).
The Middle Distance Championships feature races ranging from 10 furlongs (2,000m) to 12 furlongs (2,400m) throughout the qualifying period, concluding with a final over 10 furlongs and 42 yards (2,050m), a distance that often favours strong finishers and late challengers in the betting markets. The Marathon Championships seek the best all-weather stayers, with a championship final covering 15 furlongs and 169 yards (3,172m), an event that typically attracts longer-odds selections and is ideal for place betting. Lastly, the Fillies & Mares Championships include all all-weather races throughout the season that are open to fillies and mares, culminating in a final over seven furlongs and one yard (1,409m), giving bettors a chance to focus on specialist female runners with proven all-weather form.
Prominent trainers such as Mark Johnston, John Gosden and Richard Hannon have actively participated in the all-weather season often featuring prominently in the standings due to their horses’ consistent performances. Also, jockeys like Luke Morris, Adam Kirby and Hollie Doyle have made significant impacts during the all-weather season, showcasing exceptional skill and contributing to the competitive nature of the races. Horses like Kachy, Grendisar and Winter Derby have etched their names in all-weather racing history with remarkable performances. With its extensive race schedule, lucrative prize pools, and commitment to raising the profile of all-weather racing, the All-Weather Championships continues to be a main event in British horse racing. Whether you’re a casual punter or a seasoned bettor, this series offers countless betting opportunities across multiple race types, ensuring an exciting and dynamic wagering experience.
The All-Weather Bonus
The All-Weather Bonus is a prestigious £1,000,000 bonus scheme designed to reward the most consistent performers at ARC’s four all-weather racecourses. Running from October to Good Friday the scheme offers substantial financial incentives to owners, trainers, jockeys and racing staff throughout the winter season. Every horse competing at an ARC all-weather racecourse during this period earns points based on their finishing position. The point system is as follows:
- 1st Place: 5 points
- 2nd Place: 4 points
- 3rd Place: 3 points
- 4th Place: 2 points
- 5th Place: 1 point
This point system ensures that consistent performers are duly recognized and rewarded. These points contribute to various bonus awards. Each month, the horse accumulating the highest number of points is awarded the ‘Horse of the Month’ bonus with prizes also allocated to the second and third-placed horses. The total prize fund varies throughout the season, with £35k per month available from October to December, while January to March offer an increased prize pool of £70k per month.
The prize distribution structure is as follows:
- October to December:
- 1st Place: £20,000
- 2nd Place: £10,000
- 3rd Place: £5,000
- January to March:
- 1st Place: £40,000
- 2nd Place: £20,000
- 3rd Place: £10,000
Prize distribution follows a structured format with 87.5% awarded to the horse’s owner and 12.5% to the trainer. Additionally, racing staff associated with the top three horses each month receive bonuses:
- 1st Place: £5,000
- 2nd Place: £3,500
- 3rd Place: £1,500
In addition to the horse bonuses jockeys also have a chance to win significant rewards through the Racecourse Jockey Bonuses. At the end of the season, the most successful jockey and apprentice jockey at each of the four racecourses receives prizes of £7,000 and £3,000, respectively. The renewal of this landmark bonus scheme reaffirms ARC’s commitment to supporting and enhancing all-weather racing. At the season’s end, the horse with the highest cumulative points is crowned Horse of the Year, earning a bonus of £100k. Bonuses are awarded down to the 20th place which ensures a wide distribution of rewards among consistent performers.
Premier Racedays
Premier Racedays is a new industry initiative designed to showcase the very best of British horse racing. These special race days focus on delivering enhanced content, improved access to information and a superior customer experience. Premier Racedays bring together the most anticipated fixtures of the year. There are 162 Premier Racedays annually, representing just over the top 10% of the full fixture list. However, these elite events account for 50% of the total prize money awarded throughout the year, making them most lucrative days of British horse racing.
Final Thoughts
The ARC All Weather Bonus has had a transformative effect on all-weather racing in the UK. By offering substantial financial incentives, the scheme has attracted higher-quality horses and increased competition levels. This, in turn, has boosted attendance and betting turnover at ARC’s all-weather tracks. For bettors and fans, the ARC All Weather Bonus adds an extra layer of fun to the racing calendar. This initiative has also elevated the quality of competition, leading to more thrilling races and increased spectator engagement.