Leaders of the Racecourse Association (RCA), Thoroughbred Group (TG) and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) will work together to set a mid-to-long term strategy, to help stakeholders align on a plan for the long-term sustainability of the industry. The strategy will look at areas including prize-money, the race programme–alongside the breeding industry and ensuring there are enough of the right horses to fulfil the race programme–equine and people welfare, the collection and use of data in the sport, the owner experience, integrity, customer engagement and the overall marketing of horseracing both domestically and internationally. Agreement on this principle has followed on from the sport's ongoing discussions regarding industry governance, which include that the BHA should have responsibility for coordinating the industry strategy on behalf of shareholders.
Joe Saumarez Smith, who started his position as Chair of the BHA on June, 1, said, “The ongoing discussions around industry governance have now paved the way for the development of a cross-industry strategic vision for the sport's growth, something that the industry is unanimous in agreeing is required.
“There is much good work being done by stakeholders but too often it is in isolation, and we all felt there is an opportunity for all participants to help shape that vision. The strategy will be framed around the industry's shared ambition to maintain and enhance Britain's position as a leading player in world racing.”
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