BHA

The British Horseracing Authority released the full Fixture List for 2023, reflecting a series of minimum race value increases agreed upon by the BHA, Racecourse Association (RCA) and the Thoroughbred Group (TG). The change addresses three principal areas: Supporting international competitiveness of prize money in black-type races both on Flat and over Jumps. Increase prize money levels in Class 2 and 3 handicaps with the aim of improving retention of higher-rated horses in Britain Enhance prize money values at the lower levels, with the appearance money scheme to be replaced...

A group of "industry heavyweights" has made proposals to the BHA ahead of the governing body's upcoming strategy review in an effort to help combat the problems facing British racing. Peter Savill, a former BHB chairman, revealed to the Nick Luck Daily Podcast on Wednesday that he had spoken to a number of key industry stakeholders after the group's plans for the restructuring of British racing were leaked to The Times newspaper.  "Over the last few months, I have met with a number of industry heavyweights to get their perspective...

The heatwave forecast to hit parts of Britain on Monday and Tuesday has forced the abandonment of five race meetings across those two days. The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) confirmed on Friday afternoon that Monday's fixtures at Beverley and Windsor, and Tuesday's meetings at Chelmsford City, Southwell and Wolverhampton would not take place in light of the unprecedented red warning for extreme heat issued by the Met Office. These five tracks all fall within or are close to the parts of southern, central and eastern England where the temperature could...

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has published its much discussed Whip Consultation Report, which, in a first for major racing jurisdictions, introduces the potential for a horse to be disqualified if a jockey has used the whip four or more times above the permitted level. The ProCush whip can be used seven times in a Flat race and eight times over jumps, and the current rules will be amended to restrict use for encouragement in the backhand position only.  Twenty recommendations were submitted by the Whip Consultation Steering Group to...

The summary findings and recommendations from an independent assessment of environmental sustainability across British racing and breeding were published on Tuesday. Commissioned by the Executive Committee of British racing and funded by the Racing Foundation to help support and inform, the report was commissioned to aid in the industry's long-term planning. Produced by White Griffin, it recommends that British racing takes a 'co-ordinated, industry-wide approach' to mitigating the risks and realising the opportunities related to climate change and sustainability. Several key points covered include carbon emissions, water availability, the impact...

Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. Was handed a five-day suspension Wednesday by the Royal Ascot stewards for his ride aboard Love Reigns (Ire) (US Navy Flag) in the GII Queen Mary S. earlier in the day. According to the Ascot Stewards' Report posted on the British Horseracing Authority's website, Ortiz allowed his mount "to drift left-handed without sufficient correction." The incident occurred a sixteenth of a mile into the race when Ortiz allowed the Wesley Ward-trained filly to drift, impeding three others.  The stewards' report noted that Omniqueen (GB) (Tasleet) {GB})...

British racing has formally been incorporated into the UK Government's GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland campaign, which showcases the best of the UK on an international stage. New racing imagery for the campaign was launched via The Jockey Club on the big screens and in the racecard at the Cazoo Derby Festival, a key component of The Queen's Platinum Jubilee. The imagery is now available to UK Government departments and its international network, including Embassies and High Commissions, for use on trade missions, at receptions and conferences. Great British Racing...

The British Horseracing Authority's proposal to balance the racing programme and reduce it by 300 races for 2023 did not proceed out of review after the sport's Executive Committee voted on Wednesday evening. Racing Post first reported the news. The Executive Committee consists of BHA Chief Executive Julie Harrington, and high-ranking members of the Racecourse Association and the Thoroughbred Group. Harrington released a statement explaining the decision on Thursday morning. The statement read: "The BHA retains the view that it is critical we take steps, as a sport, to deliver...

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...

"There's too much racing." That is the familiar cry heard from most people connected to British horseracing. With that in mind, a potential reduction to next year's fixture list should be met with approval. Though that has been the case in many quarters, a leaked British Horseracing Authority (BHA) proposal on this topic has also ruffled a few feathers. The Racing Post reported on Monday that the BHA, in consultation with its fixtures and funding group comprised by racing's stakeholders, is working on a proposal to reduce the 2023 fixture...

Dominic Gardiner-Hill, Head of Handicapping for the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), has succeeded Phil Smith as Co-Chairman of the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings Committee, announced during a meeting of the Executive Council of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) Mar. 29. The IFHA Executive Council unanimously endorsed Gardiner-Hill's nomination by the European Pattern Committee (EPC). He joins Nigel Gray as Co-Chairman of the Committee. Smith served as Co-Chairman since 2014. Gardiner-Hill joined the BHA in 1993. After serving as the Deputy Head of Handicapping, Dominic took over as...

Jockey Robbie Dunne has had his 18-month suspension reduced to 10 months after an appeal hearing in London. Dunne was suspended for conduct prejudicial to racing for his harassment and bullying of fellow rider Bryony Frost by the British Horseracing Authority Disciplinary Panel in December. His appeal was rejected by the independent appeal board, with the following conditions: The four breaches of Rule (J)19 originally found by the independent Disciplinary Panel have been adjusted to one overarching breach, which covers all offences Penalty reduced from 18 months suspension (three of...