British Racing To Seek Government Aid

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) will lead a submission to government seeking financial support for those within the racing industry who are affected by the sport's suspension during the coronavirus pandemic.

Amid fears that many of those working in racing and subsidiary businesses, such as jockeys, race day support workers and transport companies, will face hardship as racing grinds to a halt, a number of the sport's senior executives met to discuss ways in which racing can benefit from the pledged financial package unveiled by Chancellor Rishi Sunak on Tuesday. The BHA has been in daily liaison with the government and on Wednesday its chief executive Nick Rust took part in a conference call with the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

The NTF's Rupert Arnold, David Armstrong from the RCA, and Charlie Liverton representing The Horsemen's Group and the ROA attended a meeting with BHA chief executive Nick Rust and they later issued a joint statement, which read, “We know these are anxious times for everyone in our industry. Whilst everyone is worrying about the health of their families, we now face this huge disruption. We know people are worried about their jobs and the survival of their businesses. We are working round the clock to present the most powerful case we can to the UK and devolved governments.

“People will have many, many questions as a result of this uncertainty. We cannot answer them all at present and must focus on preparing a case that sets our clearly and carefully the issues we face as an industry. The need to look after the 14,000 horses in training and the many more who are part of the breeding industry will be central to that case. Their welfare must be maintained. We pride ourselves on the high standards of care for horses in racing and we will not let those drop.

“We would ask all those in racing to keep in touch with the organisations that represent their part of the sport. Questions from employers or employees should be directed through representative bodies, using existing contacts or new ones created where those exist. The BHA and senior executives, supported by the Industry COVID19 group, will offer support as appropriate.

“As we present our case, we also know that there will be a point at which racing can return. We want to ensure the industry remains ready to resume whenever that's possible. That will start money flowing back to the businesses that support us and to the rural economy. We know that's well understood by government.”