The complications faced by breeders following Brexit, particularly reduced horse movement, was at the forefront of chairman Julian Richmond-Watson's address at the 104th AGM of the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA) on Wednesday.
At the meeting, which was held online, he told members, “While our long-term aim must be to replicate, as closely as possible, the Tripartite Agreement (TPA) that existed between us, France and Ireland, our focus is now to remove as many of the barriers to movement before the end of the year and the start of next year's breeding season.”
Richmond-Watson also noted that that British foal crop numbers, which had not fully recovered from the global financial crisis of 2008, have had a subsequent decline since 2018, leading to potential problems in providing enough horses to fill the large fixture list in years to come.
He added, “We are world leaders in breeding and racing, but without substantial and focused financial uplift and support, the industry will decline and leave us all the poorer.”
He pointed to the success of the Great British Bonus (GBB) scheme for Flat and National Hunt fillies and mares, with tiered bonus payments to benefit breeders, pinhookers, owners, trainers, jockeys and stable staff.
The chairman concluded his address by noting his gratitude to Peter Mendham, who is stepping down after serving ten years on the TBA Board but is to remain on the Brexit Steering Group. He also acknowledged and thanked Kirsten Rausing for her commitment as chair of the Veterinary Committee. She is being succeeded in this role by James Crowhurst.
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