GBRI Success Leads to Funding Extension

Great British Racing International (GBRI), the body set up in order to promote British racing to an international audience, has recently been granted a new two-year funding term after a successful first two years in operation.

Carter Carnegie oversaw the implementation of a number of initiatives by the group in his role as International Executive and is set to continue to be involved as a consultant as GBRI enters its second term under the guidance of Operations Director James Oldring.

Reflecting on a ground-breaking first couple of years for the operation, Carnegie said, “In two years we've created a successful platform to promote British racing to an international marketplace. We've earned the right to continue but there are lots of funding challenges facing British racing today so it was decided that [the British racing's stake-holder-funded] Racing Enterprises Limited (REL) would allow GBRI to move under its auspices.”

He continued, “Owing to good planning and management by the GBRI staff over the last two years, we've carried over more than £400,000 from our inaugural budget and with a top up from REL, that has allowed GBRI to continue for at least another two years.”

Looking ahead, Carnegie, Oldring and the team have identified core areas on which to focus, including the continuation of their involvement as a partner with Goffs in the London Sale on the eve of Royal Ascot, in what Carnegie describes as “a really appropriate curtain-raiser for Ascot week for the international community.”

GBRI will also aim to build on a good start for its members' club, which is in association with the RCA, and which aims to assist overseas owners with horses in training in Britain.

“Over 30% of that group have contacted us for help in organising a day at the races and it's important to recognise the investment made in British racing by people overseas,” says Carnegie.

The continued promotion of 'Team British Racing', with its eye-catching branding of British horses and trainers competing on international stage, a good working partnership with the FRBC and ITM under the umbrella organisation Destination Europe, and offering a “bespoke concierge service during and outside the sales season” are all initiatives on which GBRI have been working over the last two years and which will continue to be developed.