British Horseracing Authority

Racing With Pride, the LGBT+ network for British racing, was launched by the Diversity in Racing Steering Group (DiRSG), the British Horseracing Authority announced on Monday. The network is designed for British racing's industry members and fans who identify as lesbian, gay, bi, trans and other sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBT+) as well as allies of the LGBT+ community who want to demonstrate their support, regardless of their own identity. The goals of Racing With Pride is as follows: Support: offer a safe space for LGBT+ people and allies...

The British Horseracing Authority and Arena Racing Company have made the joint decision to suspend jumps racing at Southwell until further notice after two further fatalities occurred at Thursday evening's fixture. There have been six fatalities at the track between July 1 and Aug. 24 and a process is already underway to investigate them. Brant Dunshea, chief regulatory officer at the BHA, said, "The BHA and ARC met earlier this week and agreed a series of immediate measures which were put in place for this evening's meeting. The course was...

A consultation into the regulation of shared ownership was launched by the British Horseracing Authority on Thursday. The purpose of the evaluation is to identify the current risks and opportunities of shared owner ship and how these can be addressed to promote growth and consumer confidence in syndicates and racing clubs. This consultation was one of the nine key goals for British racing's recover plan published last week. Key areas of interest are: Current registration structures can best support evolving ownership models; Prospective owners can make well informed decisions about...

After being trialled in February, non-standard race times-like the 2.22 at Warwick or the 3.13 at Fairyhouse-will be permanently introduced from the start of next month. The move will provide greater flexibility and avoid race clashes and delays during busy periods. Race times for events covered by ITV will remain standardised in traditional five-minute slots whenever possible. Richard Wayman, chief operating officer of the British Horseracing Authority, said, "The trial of non-standard times in February resulted in a reduced number of race clashes and delays on busy afternoons, which was...

A total of 15 new independent judicial panel members were announced by His Honour Brian Barker CBE QC, the independent Judicial Panel Chairman to the British Horseracing Authority on Thursday. The previous judicial panel members' term expires at the end of the month and the new members will begin their duties on Sept. 1 for a term of three years. The role of the new members will be responsible for holding enquiries under the Rules of Racing, hearing appeals against the BHA's racecourse stewards' decisions and, where appropriate, imposing penalties...

Susannah Gill has been appointed the new Chairwoman of the Diversity in Racing Steering Group, replacing British Horseracing Authority CEO Nick Rust who is leaving his BHA role at the end of the year, the British Horseracing Authority announced on Thursday. Gill, a member of the DiRSG since it began in 2017,  was previously the director of external affairs and board member for Arena Racing Company. Prior to that, she was the Betfair Head of Public Affairs. Currently, Gill is a Trustee of the Racing Foundation and National Horseracing College...

The Pertemps St Leger Festival at Doncaster is one of eight meetings that will be staged with crowds as part of stage five of the UK government's plan to return spectators to elite sport, the Racecourse Association announced on Wednesday. Doncaster's four-day Classic meeting from Sept. 9-12, a Sept. 21 Warwick fixture, and Newmarket's Cambridgeshire Meeting from Sept. 24-26 have all been greenlit to allow racegoers in limited fashion. In Doncaster's case, a maximum of 3,640 spectators will be allowed on the first day, increasing to 6,202 for the final...

Representatives of the British Horseracing Authority, horsemen and racecourses have agreed on a plan for the next stages of the industry's recovery plan from COVID-19. The recovery plan lists nine industry goals, which are as follows: To secure a full resumption of race-day activity, with the best possible ownership and spectator experience, and the maximum attendance possible; To maintain the health and safety of participants, staff and all those attending raceday meetings by continuing the safe return of racing and adherence to strict controls on social distancing; To put in...

The Aug. 25 fixture at Great Yarmouth has been altered to allow the ground on the bend of the round course to be repaired, the British Horseracing Authority announced on Tuesday. Two races over a mile on the card-a Class 5 handicap and a Class 6 handicap, both for 3-year-olds and up--have instead been replaced with two six-furlong events, one a nursery and another a fillies novice stakes for juveniles. Lingfield Park will also stage a 10-furlong Class 6 handicap on Aug. 26 to replace one of the lost Yarmouth...

After feedback from owners, trainers and other industry members, the owner experience in the UK has been enhanced, the British Horseracing Authority announced on Monday. The BHA, along with the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA), Racecourse Association (RCA) have agreed to several changes to enhance the owner experience on raceday, despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The measures are as follows: Good communication--racecourses will send timely communications regarding badges, entry requirements and amenities available on course prior to attendance. Badge allocation--most racecourses are offering an increased number of badges per declared horse,...

George Rooke, an apprentice jockey riding for Richard Hughes, has been suspended seven days after riding several races under an incorrect claim, the British Horseracing Authority announced on Monday. Rooke has had five winners removed from his record after failing to report three winners from Jersey in the summer of 2019, and he was thus claiming too much weight for a period of time. He was also disqualified from 19 of the 26 races in question. An enquiry was held by the BHA with evidence given on July 23. Due...

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has announced the appointment of Julie Harrington to the role of chief executive from January 2021. A former BHA board member during her eight years as a senior executive with Northern Racing, Harrington has been the CEO of British Cycling for almost four years. She has also previously been managing director of Uttoxeter Racecourse and operations director of the Football Association (FA), during which time she was responsible for Wembley Stadium and the FA's training facility, St George's Park. A statement released by the BHA...