Thoroughbred Breeders' Association

The Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA) and the Racing Foundation took top honours in the Innovation; Initiatives and Products Award Category at the British Association for Sustainable Sport (BASIS) Awards at the Kia Oval Cricket Ground on Oct. 19. Their project, The Environmental Impact of Stud Farms Assessment, was funded by the Racing Foundation and instigated by the TBA's Environmental Sustainability Working Group. The goal of the group is to collaborate on grassland management practices that enhance air and water quality and soil health, mitigate flood risk and increase biodiversity, while...

A set of industry guidelines has been developed by the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA) Equine Welfare Working Group in collaboration with a number of thoroughbred breeders and industry stakeholders. The aim of the guidelines is to provide information and benchmarking of practices that are relevant to the breeding and raising of thoroughbreds as future athletes and they dovetail with the basic principles of horse care detailed within the UK Government's Codes of Practice for the Welfare of Horses. There are also a series of supporting videos available to view on...

The winners of the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association Flat Breeders' Awards sponsored by Fitzdares were revealed at Chippenham Park on Sept. 2. Spread across 14 categories, the best of British bloodstock was toasted at the event, which was hosted by Gina Bryce. The Andrew Devonshire Award, which honours outstanding contribution to the industry went to Lady Emma Balding. She is the wife of former trainer Ian and mother of broadcaster Clare and Classic-winning son Andrew. Also a former TBA Trustee, Lady Balding assisted in the creation of the Retraining of Racehorses...

The inaugural Breeders' Day will take place at Sandown Park Racecourse with the Thoroughbred Breeders' Assocation (TBA) on Wednesday, Sept. 15. Set during National Racehorse Week (Sept. 12-19), the event will provide racegoers with a unique insight into the breeding industry, engaging them with competitions, interactive displays, a QR code trail, a retired racehorse parade, interviews with breeders, give-aways, and trade stands. Opportunities to learn about shared ownership options and how to get involved in thoroughbred breeding will be available, while students and those considering a career change can learn...

A report titled The future for British breeding and its potential impact on the British racing industry was published by the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association on Tuesday. The report details recommendations to halt the potentially catastrophic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on British racing in the medium and long term. Some of the suggestions in the report are: capitalising on Britain's international reputation for breeding and racing, ensuring a competitive and diverse racing programme and improving the viability of the British breeding industry. In addition, the report recommends united industry action...

Organisations across British racing have united to improve diversity and inclusion across the sport under a unified "Industry Commitment". The Industry Commitment, which is part of British racing's COVID-19 Recovery Plan for British racing', aims to formalise the sport's approach to diversity and inclusion and builds on the extensive existing activity already taking place, including community engagement, education activity and charitable work. This is highlighted through the Racing Together platform which has already showcased over 80 initiatives. Organisations that have signed on to the Industry Commitment are: the British Horseracing...

TB-Ed, a UK Thoroughbred Breeders' Association education and training initiative, was launched by the TBA on Wednesday. The initiative, which offers a range of courses and resources that provide essential knowledge and guidance to new and existing industry participants, has also received financial support from the Racing Foundation, who co-funded the platform development and build with the TBA. Weatherbys is also a headline partner of the TB-Ed platform. Currently, the courses offered by TB-Ed include Understanding Pedigrees delivered by journalist and broadcaster Lydia Hislop, while there is also Nutrition of...

A pilot study to focus on the environmental impact of stud farms was launched by the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA) and the Racing Foundation on Thursday, Apr. 22, Earth Day. The purpose of the study, started by the TBA's Environmental Sustainability Working Group and funded by the Racing Foundation, will assess the impact of two stud farms in different regional locations. The Environmental Sustainability Work Group, founded in November of 2020 after the passing of the Agriculture Bill by the UK Government, aims to collaborate with industry professionals on grassland...

The implementation of the EU Animal Health Law, due to go into effect on Apr. 21, will instead begin on Aug. 21, the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association announced on Monday. The rule affects Thoroughbred movements to the EU, and, whilst not yet formally ratified, the Thoroughbred Brexit Steering Group's understanding is that EU technical experts have approved a delay to the application of the new rule for equine exports until late August. Existing Export Health Certificates, among other export documents will remain valid until the revised start date. The TBA's advice...

The Great British Stallion Showcase 2021 was launched by the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA) and Great British Racing International (GBRI) on Monday. The online format is due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that prevented the TBA's Flat Stallion Parade and the National Hunt Stallion Showcase from taking place this year. Photos and videos of each participating stallion, as well as audio clips from stud managers, pedigree and fees are all available at www.greatbritishstallionshowcase.co.uk. In addition, the stallion pages also include the stallions' British EBF eligibility where appropriate. Following the theme...

The Annual General Meeting of the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association was held online for the first time on Sunday. TBA Chairman Julian Richmond-Watson detailed several key strategic priorities, while also acknowledging the challenges created by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to the UK Thoroughbred industry. Five 2021 focal points for the TBA Board of Trustees and executive team are as follows: Resolving issues arising from the UK's exit from the EU; to include working with industry partners at home and abroad to ensure best possible outcomes for the industry, its people, trade...

The winners of the Devonshire and Dominion bronzes were announced by the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association on Wednesday. Prominent owner/breeder Anthony Oppenheimer was awarded the Andrew Devonshire Bronze, which is awarded for outstanding achievement and contribution to the British Thoroughbred industry. The owner of Hascombe and Valiant Stud, Oppenheimer has celebrated homebreds the likes of G1 Epsom Derby hero Golden Horn (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}) and MG1SW Cracksman (GB) (Frankel {GB}), as well as G1 Irish Oaks heroine Star Catcher (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), just to name a few. "It...