Summary of Findings Published For Environmental Sustainability in UK Racing

The summary findings and recommendations from an independent assessment of environmental sustainability across British racing and breeding were published on Tuesday.

Commissioned by the Executive Committee of British racing and funded by the Racing Foundation to help support and inform, the report was commissioned to aid in the industry's long-term planning. Produced by White Griffin, it recommends that British racing takes a 'co-ordinated, industry-wide approach' to mitigating the risks and realising the opportunities related to climate change and sustainability. Several key points covered include carbon emissions, water availability, the impact of extreme weather, and waste disposal, to commercial partnerships, supply chain management and changing consumer expectations. It also highlights assets that can help accelerate sustainability efforts, including access to extensive green space and existing land management capability. Next steps are outlined as well, which are aligned to the specific environmental issues covered, together with more general overarching recommendations on how the industry should take a 'planned and strategic' approach to addressing racing's collective challenges.

Brant Dunshea, BHA Chief Regulatory Officer and Project Executive Sponsor, said, “Racing and breeding's close relationship with our environment makes us particularly susceptible to the effects of a changing climate. This research gives us a much better understanding of the key challenges we face, and provides a useful starting point for industry leaders to think about how environmental considerations are factored into British racing's strategic planning.

“I'm grateful to White Griffin for their work on this project, and to everyone–racecourses, owners, breeders, trainers, jockeys and so many others–who contributed to the research. The findings and recommendations give us a sound basis for determining our long-term priorities and securing a sustainable future for our horses, people and businesses.”