National Trainers Federation

A survey for trainers and stable staff, commissioned by the Industry People Board, has been launched by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). The aim is to improve recruitment, skills, and retention of staff in the British racing industry. The appropriate racing industry staff will shortly be contacted by Public Perspectives to give their views on the survey, which is funded by the Racing Foundation, and delivered in partnership with the BHA, the National Trainers Federation (NTF) and the National Association of Racing Staff (NARS). The survey will also provide feedback...

The third annual National Racehorse Week, from Sept. 9-17 in the UK, has been deemed a success after a record number of open days and community events, Great British Racing (GBR), who funds the initiative alongside the Racing Foundation and Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB), announced on Tuesday. Over 15,000 free places were made available across the seven days across the country for the public to come and experience a day in the life of a racehorse. From training facilities and studs, to aftercare and rehoming centres, 209 different events...

Jack Connor was named the new Racing and Analytics Executive of The Thoroughbred Group. He was previously a British Horseracing Authority (BHA) Racing Department senior analyst and a strategy manager at The Jockey Club. The position is new within The Thoroughbred Group as the organisation develops its remit to provide representation of its five members under UK racing's new industry structure--the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA), the Thoroughbred Breeders Association (TBA), the National Association of Racing Staff (NARS), the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) and the National Trainers Federation (NTF). "We are...

Trainer Ralph Beckett was confirmed for a second term (2023/24) as the National Trainers Federation President following Thursday's NTF Annual General Meeting. The NTF was also restructured during the AGM, with the intent to introduce a consultation model, so that the views of trainers are always accurately reflected in industry discussions. British Horseracing Authority (BHA) Chairman Joe Saumarez Smith, Neil Hayward (Industry People Board, Chair) and BHA Chief Operating Officer Richard Wayman also addressed NTF members regarding how the BHA will fulfil its leadership role in the new industry structure.

Trainer and veterinarian Jim Boyle has been appointed to the Racing Foundation's Board of Trustees. He replaces now-retired trainer Mark Johnston. A graduate of Bristol University in 1996, he later specialised in equine veterinary medicine, and has served as President of the National Trainers' Federation (NTF) between 2014 and 2016. Boyle joins Algy Smith-Maxwell, Alice Page, Linda Bowles, Louise Kemble and Susannah Gill on the Foundation's seven-strong Board of Trustees, which is chaired by Julia Budd. Budd said, "We are delighted to welcome someone of Jim's calibre to the Racing...

The first episode in a five-part video series to showcase the various aspects that make owning a horse-in-training in Britain worthwhile, was launched by Great British Racing International (GBRI) on Monday. Titled 'Be A Part Of it: Owning In Britain', the first video is Sir Mark Prescott reflecting on the history and heritage that underpins the British racing experience. Additional videos will be released every Monday. The series, backed by the National Trainers' Federation (NTF), will also show the training environment that Thoroughbreds are exposed to in Britain, as well...

The British Horseracing Authority's proposal to balance the racing programme and reduce it by 300 races for 2023 did not proceed out of review after the sport's Executive Committee voted on Wednesday evening. Racing Post first reported the news. The Executive Committee consists of BHA Chief Executive Julie Harrington, and high-ranking members of the Racecourse Association and the Thoroughbred Group. Harrington released a statement explaining the decision on Thursday morning. The statement read: "The BHA retains the view that it is critical we take steps, as a sport, to deliver...

If Ralph Beckett was ever in danger of becoming a victim of his own success, having patiently developed three staying fillies to win Classics, then the precocious achievements of Angel Bleu (Fr) have surely taken care of that pretty unequivocally. The Dark Angel (Ire) colt made his debut a year ago this week, and was still on the go in October when he exported two Group 1 prizes from France inside 20 days. In between, he had won the G2 Vintage S. at Goodwood three days after finishing second at...

Trainer Ralph Beckett has been elected the President of the National Trainers Federation (NTF) for 2022 and 2023 at the NTF General Meeting on Feb. 24. He replaces Emma Lavelle, who served two terms from 2020 to 2022. In addition, Hugo Palmer was appointed the third member of the NTF Presidential Triumvirate alongside Nick Alexander. The British Horseracing Authority's Chief Regulator Officer Brant Dunshea and Director of Integrity and Regulation Tim Naylor addressed the assembly after the meeting proper. They discussed the BHA's strategy for regulation and also took part...

National Trainers Federation Chief Executive Rupert Arnold will step down from his role at the end of the year, the NTF announced on Tuesday. Appointed to the role in August of 2000, Arnold has overseen a significant expansion in the range of racing industry issues covered by the NTF and its services to members. Rupert Arnold said, "I have had so many amazing opportunities in my time at the NTF and for that I will be forever grateful to trainers. Although it brings many challenges, nothing can surpass the range...

The 2021 Lycetts Leadership & Team Champions Awards were launched by the National Trainers Federation (NTF) and Lycetts Insurance Brokers on Monday. Entries for the awards open on May 17 and close on June 30 with the winners invited to a hospitality event to receive prizes at Sandown Park Racecourse on Sept. 15, hosted by the NTF and Lycetts Insurance Brokers. The awards, which celebrate racehorse training yards which cultivate the best team ethos, exhibit outstanding leadership qualities and demonstrate innovative approaches to management, are divided into three categories. The...

The first National Racehorse Week, a celebration of racehorses throughout the UK, will be held from Sept. 12-19. The aim is to highlight the levels of care provided by trainers and grooms and tout the equine athletes who make the sport possible. Henry Cecil Open Weekend in Newmarket and the ARC Malton Open Day start the week, with the Epsom and Middleham Open Days held on the second weekend. Trainers are encouraged nationwide to open their yards to the public. There will also be a programme of virtual events, as...