Ascot Racecourse is set to leave the Racecourse Association (RCA) at the end of the year, due to the fact that “sufficient progress has not been made” to address concerns about the organisation's governance structure.
In March, following Lord Allen's resignation as chair of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and the failure to establish an independent BHA Board, a joint-statement was released by the Jockey Club and four large independent racecourses – Ascot, Goodwood, Newbury and York – which called for an urgent review of the governance structure at the RCA.
In a letter written to the chairman of the RCA, Wilf Walsh, the signatories requested measures by the end of April that would deliver a Board and voting representation that is balanced and credible; an environment where significant views from key racecourses can influence outcomes; and an organisation that can act decisively on matters affecting the wider industry.
Discussions with regards potential reform at the RCA had been ongoing, but they have now concluded without an agreement being reached to satisfy those at the helm at Ascot.
“The decision to move away from the RCA was not taken lightly and was guided by our view that this is in the interests of the long-term health of the sport,” said Ascot Racecourse chief executive Felicity Barnard.
“In the period since 3rd March, we have engaged constructively with the RCA and remained clear and consistent with our request for governance reform; reform that we believe is necessary to reflect the evolving needs of our sport and its stakeholders.
“Regrettably, sufficient progress has not been made. We remain committed to working collaboratively within the industry to enable Ascot to continue to contribute to the shared success of the sport.”
The Jockey Club also issued a statement on Monday to address the proposed RCA governance changes, saying that it has decided to give the process “extra time” in the hope that a potential solution can be found.
However, it did add that its RCA membership will not be renewed in 2027 if changes cannot be delivered by the end of July.
A spokesperson for The Jockey Club said, “We have been encouraged by the discussions so far to find a solution to the governance issue. Our belief remains that for the RCA to be effective and a positive force for good in racing, we need to see the following changes – a board and voting representation that is balanced and credible, that significant views from key racecourses can influence outcomes and minority views can be recognised inside and outside the RCA and that the organisation can act decisively on matters affecting the wider industry.
“We recognise that to develop and agree specifics on each of these issues requires detailed consideration and potential compromise from all parties and, as such, we are committing to continue to take part in ongoing discussions and support the 12-week governance review that has been proposed, with a view to the RCA Board committing to reaching firm conclusions as to the changes that can be delivered by the end of July 2026. Should this prove too difficult, it will be with some sadness that we will not renew our membership in 2027.
“It is our hope that a potential solution can be found by giving the process extra time, but this should not be interpreted as a vote for the status quo or a lessening of our desire for an RCA that can truly serve and represent courses across the pyramid of racing. Our sport needs us all working in the same direction, playing an enabling role in the sport and in offering support for strong central leadership for British racing by the BHA.”
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