British racing

Racing's leaders have cut approximately 170 races from the 2023 summer programme and rearranged some to the autumn period in a move designed to improve the competitiveness of British racing. British racing's Industry Strategy Group met last month and agreed immediate changes were required to increase competition in 2023, with more strategic changes to the sport, including the fixture list, planned from 2024 onwards. On the Flat, the maximum number of programmed races for meetings in July and August will be reduced from an average of six and a half...

A digital campaign titled 'British Racing: Invest in the Best' was launched by Great British Racing International (GBRI) on Monday. Slated to take place for four weeks each autumn for a three-year period, the campaign is designed to highlight the strength and importance of the British racing industry globally and encourage future international investment. The campaign will deliver a digital showcase of Britain racing's credentials across various sides of the racing industry, from training, racing and breeding, to bloodstock sales and welfare, as told by leading figures and organisations from...

Racing will not go forward in the UK on Monday, Sept. 19, due to the funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth II, the British Horseracing Authority announced on Saturday. Everyone involved in British racing will then have the opportunity to mourn Her Late Majesty's passing. More information on the cancelled fixtures will be announced in the coming days. On Sunday, racing resumes in Britain, with the exception of Musselburgh, as The Queen is lying in state in Edinburgh.

The British Horseracing Authority released the full Fixture List for 2023, reflecting a series of minimum race value increases agreed upon by the BHA, Racecourse Association (RCA) and the Thoroughbred Group (TG). The change addresses three principal areas: Supporting international competitiveness of prize money in black-type races both on Flat and over Jumps. Increase prize money levels in Class 2 and 3 handicaps with the aim of improving retention of higher-rated horses in Britain Enhance prize money values at the lower levels, with the appearance money scheme to be replaced...

Following continued representations to Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) by the Thoroughbred Industries Brexit Steering Group, a change to customs procedure has been made which will facilitate movement of horses into Britain for breeding and racing. A new, industry-specific, facilitation has now been agreed by HMRC to the Temporary Admission procedure, allowing intermediaries (such as a transporter or shipper) to apply for an authorisation enabling them to move Thoroughbreds under multiple ownerships, without the need for a financial guarantee. Previously, in the majority of cases, Thoroughbreds entering Great Britain...

A group of "industry heavyweights" has made proposals to the BHA ahead of the governing body's upcoming strategy review in an effort to help combat the problems facing British racing. Peter Savill, a former BHB chairman, revealed to the Nick Luck Daily Podcast on Wednesday that he had spoken to a number of key industry stakeholders after the group's plans for the restructuring of British racing were leaked to The Times newspaper.  "Over the last few months, I have met with a number of industry heavyweights to get their perspective...

British racing launches a new campaign--All In The Race-with the goal of improving diversity and inclusivity in the sport. The All In The Race campaign has been led by the Diversity in Racing Steering Group (DiRSG). Highlighting the campaign is a 1-minute video, featuring jockeys, trainers, racing staff and members of racing staff working in yards, racecourse personnel, figures from the racing media and administration of the sport, as well as racegoers and members of Ebony Horse Club. "With so many other brilliant people, initiatives and organisations across the sport,...

British racing has formally been incorporated into the UK Government's GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland campaign, which showcases the best of the UK on an international stage. New racing imagery for the campaign was launched via The Jockey Club on the big screens and in the racecard at the Cazoo Derby Festival, a key component of The Queen's Platinum Jubilee. The imagery is now available to UK Government departments and its international network, including Embassies and High Commissions, for use on trade missions, at receptions and conferences. Great British Racing...

The 2022 Mental Health Awareness Week campaign--that centers on loneliness this year--kicks off May 9 and continues through May 16. Racing Welfare, supporting the British horseracing workforce, launched the initiative to mirror the national initiative run by the Mental Health Foundation. Workplaces across the horseracing and Thoroughbred breeding industries are encouraged to set aside time during their working day to take part in the #TeaAndTalk initiative. Mental Health Awareness Week aims to promote open conversations on all aspects of mental health with Racing Welfare's campaign specifically raising awareness of the...

The Horserace Betting Levy Board has agreed a £21.5-million loan fund through the government's Sport Winter Survival Package to aid in its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. British racing has suffered over £400-million in lost racecourse revenues since the start of the pandemic, with prizemoney down by £65-million (41%) and racecourses still significantly affected by the limited number of spectators allowed to attend. A cut of £7.5-million will be utilized to enhance prizemoney for 12 months from July 2021, with 60% going to flat racing and 40% to jumps. On...

The annual TBA Flat Breeders' Awards Evening, sponsored by Fitzdares, will take place Tuesday, July 13 at Chippenham Park, near Newmarket. The short-listed nominees have been announced for seven of the 14 awards to be presented at the event. The evening, which celebrates British breeding success from the 2020 Flat racing season, will be hosted by Gina Bryce. The award's ceremony will be preceded by a drinks reception and dinner. To secure tickets, click here. The winners already announced are: Adaay (Tattersalls Silver Salver); Dubawi (BBA Silver Cigar Box &...

Wellbeing across the Horseracing Industry, a comprehensive survey to help inform a strategy dedicated to the welfare of the British Racing workforce, was launched on Tuesday. The survey, which runs through May 16, is open to everyone working across the Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry. Every individual who completes the survey, will receive a personalised well-being report to help improve how they feel, live and work. A Wellbeing Committee was also created, comprising a significant range of expertise across its membership, as well as a dedication towards improving further the...