BHA

Racing to School, in conjunction with the British Horseracing Authority, has unveiled a new Racing2Learn module (click here), which focuses on promoting safe and responsible gambling. The resource also addresses young people's relationship with gambling and its links with gaming. The free on-line course, which takes approximately 30 minutes to complete, aims to equip learners with knowledge and understanding of the BHA's rules on gambling for licensed individuals, in addition to an overview of problem gambling and its associated harms. Participants are also provided with a list of resources available...

There will be 14 additional fixtures added to the UK racing calendar following approval by the Board of the British Horseracing Authority. The proposal was submitted by the Racecourse Association (RCA) which has the full support of the Horsemen's Group (HB). The fixtures have been added to shore up racecourse finances, as well as generate a positive return for the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB). The 14 fixtures are as follows: Flat Fixtures: 15/11/20 Southwell - Afternoon 22/11/20 Wolverhampton - Afternoon 23/11/20 Chelmsford City - Floodlit 24/11/20 Lingfield Park -...

British Prime Minister Borris Johnson announced during a press conference Saturday evening a four-week national shutdown, set to begin Thursday, Nov. 5, as a result of the rising COVID-19 cases in England. While horseracing, and other elite sports will be able to continue behind closed doors, betting shops, which re-opened following the initial lockdown June 15, are scheduled to be among businesses closed later this week. A release issued by the British Horseracing Authority stated: "The horseracing industry has worked hard to maintain the safety of our participants and the...

James Given will cease training at the end of the year to take up the role of Director of Equine Health and Welfare with the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) from January. Given qualified as a vet in 1990 and was assistant trainer to fellow vet Mark Johnston before starting training in his own right in 1998. Since then his stable has been represented by the G2 Flying Childers S. victrix Wunders Dream (Ire) and fellow group winners Dandino (GB), Trick Or Treat (GB), Summitville (GB), Jessica's Dream (Ire), Lady Gloria...

In an effort to further enhance existing COVID-19 control measures, all racecourse attendees at behind closed doors race fixtures will be required to wear a face covering at all times while at the beginning Monday, Oct. 26. Face coverings (i.e. non-medical face coverings) must be worn at the racecourse by all attendees who are not identified as needing certified/higher grade PPE (e.g. medical and cleaning staff). Face coverings will be required in all indoor and outdoor areas of both the Green Zone and Owner Zone throughout the day. For more...

Sky Sports Racing has partnered with the British Horseracing Authority 'Step on Track' Programme, which will take pace via ZOOM Oct. 26-30. Conceived by the BHA's Careers in Racing team, the focus for the week will be to develop interest in the sport from groups currently under represented in horseracing. Aimed at 16 to 19-year-olds, the first 'Step on Track' comprises a week-long programme of talks involving high-profile names from across all areas of the horseracing industry. Chief Executive of At The Races and Sky Sports Racing, Matthew Imi, said:...

After a fixture-related funding package was confirmed by the Horserace Betting Levy Board, the 2021 UK fixture list from January through April was announced by the British Horseracing Authority on Wednesday. The confirmed dates for all fixtures involving Pattern races was also published alongside provisional dates for the rest of 2021. (Click for the Excel or PDF versions of the fixture list, Pattern races, and provisional fixtures.) The fixture list was developed with a view to maximising revenue for the sport and participants, while safeguarding participant welfare and taking into...

A united approach regarding Levy reform has been agreed upon by the British Horseracing Authority and other industry leaders. Involved parties, among them racecourses, horsemen and the BHA met at the BHA Members Committee meeting last week and agreed upon the creation of a new steering group with regards to Levy reform which would analise all the options available as the COVID-19 pandemic continues alongside the economic downturn. Joe Saumarez-Smith will chair the new group which meets this week. The group will work alongside the BHA's Public Affairs team. Other...

After a weekend of intensive testing of GAIN's equine feed ranges, batches and individual ingredients, progress has been made in the investigation into the presence of Zilpaterol in the contaminated feeds, the company announced late on Monday evening. The synthetic beta-agonist Zilpaterol, approved for use as a performance-enhancer in some beef production systems outside the EU, was found in some positive tests on horses that had consumed GAIN products in France last week. GAIN stressed that Zilpaterol has never formed part of any formulation in any GAIN animal nutrition ranges....

Careers in Racing (CiR), the careers marketing arm of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), announced the launch of a new program designed to introduce young people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds to the horseracing industry. Step On Track, which has been developed in response to the lack of BAME representation within several areas of British racing, aims to engage young people from ethnic minorities with the sport, as well as highlighting career opportunities. The program will take place during Black History Month in the October half term...

Following a submission to Public Health England, there is now an addition to the British Horseracing Authority's Elite Traveller Exemption (ETE) protocols for elite sportspeople and essential support staff, which is effective immediately. The ETE applies for frequent travellers for competition in a country not covered by the travel corridor exemption, thus jockeys, trainers and stable staff who make frequent trips abroad for competition at COVID-19 secure venues in non-exempt countries may choose to register for a "Frequent Private Traveller" (FPT) option. This ruling will directly benefit the jockeys, trainers...

Reciprocal arrangements on participation by runners trained in international jurisdictions were announced jointly by the British Horseracing Authority and Horse Racing Ireland on Monday. Beginning on Oct. 1, internationally-trained horses will be permitted to participate in all British races other than Class 5 and 6 handicaps/classified stakes on the Flat and Class 5 handicaps over Jumps. All such runners will be subject to the relevant government regulations. The same arrangements will also be introduced in Ireland on Oct. 1. The Irish Rules of Racing will continue to state that "a...