Big changes to the entry system A ten percent reduction in the cost of entry fees for owners, the abolition of the scratching stage and later entry dates for the classics are among a big shake up announced by HRI to the entry system.The reduction in entry fees is seen by Owners Association Chairman, Peter McCarthy, as beneficial to a greater number of owners compared to increases in prize money. The projected annual cost of implementing this initiative is E920,000, and will equate to about half of HRI´s prize money increase for 2004.The scratching stage will be scrapped in the coming months after necessary computer development has been completed, while the initial entry stage for the classics (excluding the St Leger) in 2005 has been moved back five months to the start of September. The second entry stage will move back three months from December to March. The cost of entry remains unchanged but it is anticipated that owners´ total contribution will be reduced as a result of these later and fairer dates.
