BHA: Too Early To Assess Brexit Implications

In the wake of the UK's decision to leave the European Union in the Brexit vote, the British Horseracing Authority has advised, “it is too early to assess the implications of the vote on the [racing industry] as a whole.” The BHA's Director of Corporate Affairs, Will Lambe, outlined in a statement on Friday the areas in which the racing industry could be affected by the vote, but said the expectation is that there will not be a substantial impact on racing in the short term.

“The BHA will work closely with government contacts including in particular officials from DCMS [Department for Culture, Media and Sport] and Defra [Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs], as well as other sporting bodies, to represent the interests of British horse racing in the discussions and decisions that will follow on from today's result,” he said. “It is too early to assess the implications of the vote on the sector as a whole. Racing has, however, been proactive in considering the implications of a 'Leave' vote and identifying the areas in which it might be impacted. These include any possible effects on trade, betting regulation, equine welfare and the movement of horses and employment laws. The expectation is that there will not be a substantial impact on most of these areas, or the overall regulation and running of the sport, certainly in the short term.”

Lambe also moved to alleviate concerns that the changes in government could affect the replacement of the Levy, due to take place next April.

“DCMS are continuing to work towards the replacement of the Levy by April 2017. This work is at an advanced stage in a number of areas, with significant groundwork already laid, and the key piece of domestic and primary legislation which provides for an income stream for British racing from all forms of betting activity, including that through offshore remote betting operators, has already been passed,” he explained. “It is likely that there will still be a requirement for some degree of European clearance, but this will still be based on the clear precedent in France. The replacement of the Levy was and is a government commitment, with full cross-party backing and support right across the Conservative Party. There is strong, and still growing, recognition of the sport's economic, cultural and social importance right across the country.”