Edited Press Release
The British Horseracing Authority will implement a set of changes, including the launch of a new racing administration website, in the spring of 2017 to simplify and modernize the administrative side of racehorse ownership. In addition, ownership registration types will be simplified and fees consolidated.
Charlie Liverton, Chief Executive of the Racehorse Owners Association, said, “Owners have long complained that their first steps on the road to ownership were characterised by red tape and confusing ownership structures followed by numerous fees. The ROA is delighted that the planned reforms will greatly reduce these hurdles, ensuring that both existing and new owners can concentrate on the more enjoyable aspects of our thrilling sport.”
The new racing administration website, which will be supported by a telephone helpdesk, will allow owners to maintain their records digitally, removing the vast majority of paper-based forms. In addition, owners will be able to set up sponsorships, register an authority to act and check and pay invoices online.
The eight different types of ownership currently available will be reduced to five–sole, partnership, syndicate, racing club and company–to help eliminate confusion. Finally, fees for registration and re-registration of colours, an authority to act and VAT will be aligned to one date in the year.
Richard Wayman, Chief Operating Officer for the BHA, said, “At the heart of the sport's growth strategy is making racehorse ownership more attractive and accessible to both new and existing owners. This will require significant progress in a number of areas including ownership administration, where there needs to be much greater emphasis on the customer experience. The initiatives announced today are a first important step on that journey. Similar to many online transactions, the new ownership administration system means that almost all administrative tasks will be completed much more easily and quickly online, while the simplification of ownership types and fee structures will remove much of the confusion and frustration of ownership admin.”
He added, “Looking further ahead we would like to get to a position where the administrative costs of ownership are greatly reduced. As we explore how that might be delivered, the changes announced today will address many of the administrative frustrations our consultation told us have been faced by owners for too long.”
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