National Trainers Federation

Hugo Palmer has been appointed as the new president of the National Trainers Federation (NTF), succeeding Nick Alexander, whose two-year term concluded at the Federation's Annual General Meeting in London on Monday. "I am honoured and delighted to take on this important role at a time when our industry continues to face a period of significant change and am encouraged by the discussions today on a positive way forward for the sport," said Palmer. It was also confirmed that Rebecca Menzies and Harry Eustace will serve as the NTF's next...

A new two-year partnership between Racecourse Media Group (RMG) and the National Trainers Federation (NTF) was agreed upon to support trainers and help further grow the sport of horse racing. The deal sees RMG commit to a range of support and integration with the NTF, from helping produce content for play-out on Racing TV's (RTV) broadcast and digital channels, to an annual contribution to cover the NTF's legal expenses insurance. There is a specific commitment to help raise the profile of smaller yards through increased TV exposure, while NTF members...

National Trainers Federation (NTF) chief executive Paul Johnson has been appointed to the Board of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). He assumes the role with immediate effect, while the process continues to implement agreed governance reforms, working towards the establishment of an independent board of directors. Joining the Board as one of the two member-nominated directors, Johnson has been nominated by the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association, Racehorse Owners Association and licensed personnel. He takes over from John Ferguson, whose term on the Board has concluded. Johnson's previous roles within British racing...

It was announced in a joint statement on Monday that representatives of the Thoroughbred Group and the Racecourse Association (RCA) have undertaken a commitment to work together to pursue the signing of an industry-wide commercial partnership structure. These partnerships would see a commercial link formed between participants and racecourses to share the revenue that is generated by the sport. This is agreed to be a critical requirement if the industry is to reward owners and provide racegoers and bettors with competitive and engaging racing. In turn, it is hoped that...

A survey for trainers and stable staff, commissioned by the Industry People Board, has been launched by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). The aim is to improve recruitment, skills, and retention of staff in the British racing industry. The appropriate racing industry staff will shortly be contacted by Public Perspectives to give their views on the survey, which is funded by the Racing Foundation, and delivered in partnership with the BHA, the National Trainers Federation (NTF) and the National Association of Racing Staff (NARS). The survey will also provide feedback...

The third annual National Racehorse Week, from Sept. 9-17 in the UK, has been deemed a success after a record number of open days and community events, Great British Racing (GBR), who funds the initiative alongside the Racing Foundation and Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB), announced on Tuesday. Over 15,000 free places were made available across the seven days across the country for the public to come and experience a day in the life of a racehorse. From training facilities and studs, to aftercare and rehoming centres, 209 different events...

Jack Connor was named the new Racing and Analytics Executive of The Thoroughbred Group. He was previously a British Horseracing Authority (BHA) Racing Department senior analyst and a strategy manager at The Jockey Club. The position is new within The Thoroughbred Group as the organisation develops its remit to provide representation of its five members under UK racing's new industry structure--the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA), the Thoroughbred Breeders Association (TBA), the National Association of Racing Staff (NARS), the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) and the National Trainers Federation (NTF). "We are...

Trainer Ralph Beckett was confirmed for a second term (2023/24) as the National Trainers Federation President following Thursday's NTF Annual General Meeting. The NTF was also restructured during the AGM, with the intent to introduce a consultation model, so that the views of trainers are always accurately reflected in industry discussions. British Horseracing Authority (BHA) Chairman Joe Saumarez Smith, Neil Hayward (Industry People Board, Chair) and BHA Chief Operating Officer Richard Wayman also addressed NTF members regarding how the BHA will fulfil its leadership role in the new industry structure.

Trainer and veterinarian Jim Boyle has been appointed to the Racing Foundation's Board of Trustees. He replaces now-retired trainer Mark Johnston. A graduate of Bristol University in 1996, he later specialised in equine veterinary medicine, and has served as President of the National Trainers' Federation (NTF) between 2014 and 2016. Boyle joins Algy Smith-Maxwell, Alice Page, Linda Bowles, Louise Kemble and Susannah Gill on the Foundation's seven-strong Board of Trustees, which is chaired by Julia Budd. Budd said, "We are delighted to welcome someone of Jim's calibre to the Racing...

The first episode in a five-part video series to showcase the various aspects that make owning a horse-in-training in Britain worthwhile, was launched by Great British Racing International (GBRI) on Monday. Titled 'Be A Part Of it: Owning In Britain', the first video is Sir Mark Prescott reflecting on the history and heritage that underpins the British racing experience. Additional videos will be released every Monday. The series, backed by the National Trainers' Federation (NTF), will also show the training environment that Thoroughbreds are exposed to in Britain, as well...

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...

If Ralph Beckett was ever in danger of becoming a victim of his own success, having patiently developed three staying fillies to win Classics, then the precocious achievements of Angel Bleu (Fr) have surely taken care of that pretty unequivocally. The Dark Angel (Ire) colt made his debut a year ago this week, and was still on the go in October when he exported two Group 1 prizes from France inside 20 days. In between, he had won the G2 Vintage S. at Goodwood three days after finishing second at...