IT'S becoming apparent that there are a lack of opportunities for the number of horses wanting to race on the flat.

In 2000, from January to September, there were 131,000 entries made whereas this year in the same period 153,000 entries were made.

The number of runners is up from 63,000 to 69,000 and horses eliminated up from 3,400 to 8,000 - a 135 per cent rise.

The number of races in 2000 was 5,657 whereas this year it is down eight per cent to 5,198 races. Horses in training have risen from 12,750 to 13,200. These figures show that there is a clear lack of opportunity and it is terrible that 8,000 horses have been eliminated.

Owners still have bills to pay whether their horses are running or not.

The foot-and-mouth factor did reduce the number of races by eight per cent, but that is no excuse for the last three months.

It is ridiculous looking at entries in 0-60, 0-70 handicaps with maximum runners between 18-25 and entries being between 80-100.

More opportunities are needed for low grade horses, otherwise these owners will disappear from the sport.

IT'S very sad that Richard Hughes will miss the remainder of the season after fracturing a tibia in his left leg in an accident before the start of a race at Newmarket last Saturday.

His mount reared up while being led to the stalls unseating Hughes. Hopefully, he will return for the start of next season. He's undoubtedly a rising star of the game and destined to be one of the leading jockeys around.

NORTHERN Echo runs in a handicap hurlde at Southwell today. This is his level and he'll run a decent race under Richard McGrath.

He is visored for the first time, which will hopefully help, but I can't see him beating recent Sedgefield scorer Willow Run.

MUNGO Park travels to Ascot for a big handicap. He is well, but the ground may be a bit soft. Chris Rutter rides