SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has responded to the conclusion of the investigation into the ‘toxic behaviour’ of licensed trainer Robyn Brisland and member of staff William Degnan.
The trainer of the Danebury Racing Stables in Hampshire, Brisland has been ordered to appoint a staff member to oversee safety procedures at his yard due to a ‘toxic work culture’.
Following a disciplinary hearing last month, Brisland (47) was fined £8,000 after admitting that his behaviour had tarnished British racing’s reputation through his treatment of staff from September to December 2020.
William Degnan, a senior official working for Brisland, was also fined £3,000 for pleading guilty to disorderly conduct.
During the hearings, the BHA was forced to reveal shocking details about the treatment of staff, including “vicious tirades, intimidating and derogatory behaviour towards junior staff that frightened some staff and seriously injured others”.
Following the disciplinary proceedings, the BHA maintains that it works to “ensure that horseracing remains a welcoming, safe sport, aiming for high behavioural standards industry-wide”.
Due to failings, the BHA’s ‘Safeguarding Team’ has since taken steps to prevent repeat occurrences, including visits to Brisland’s yard to assure welfare and provide education on proper behaviour and staff management.
The BHA concluded that the behaviours of Brisland and Degnan will not be tolerate across any level of British racing.
“We would encourage anybody who witnesses or is subjected to behaviour that they feel could be in breach of the Code of Conduct to report it, either via email to [email protected] or via the RaceWISE service on 0800 085 2580,” the BHA statement concluded.
