The British Horseracing Board has voted by an overwhelming majority for wall-to-wall racing in 2000, despite powerful opposition from the racecourses.

They have backed the proposal for racing on 18 consecutive Sundays next year, which will result in fixtures being staged on 132 consecutive days from the end of April to the end of August.

The new fixture list is now certain to take place unless it is given the thumbs down by the Levy Board, which is responsible for providing financial assistance.