SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
The BHA has made its final call for owners to complete Britain’s inaugural Thoroughbred Census.
Now at a landmark 6,000 submissions from an industry wide push to drive participation, thoroughbred owners have until the end of the year (31 December 2023) to complete Britain’s first-ever Census of this kind.
Helena Flynn, Programme Director, Horse Welfare Board, stated: “We’ve had a hugely positive reception to the Census. The people who own former racehorses are passionate about them and want to play their part in what may be a once-in-a-decade piece of research.
“With the Census closing on 31 December, we call on all owners who have not yet taken part to get involved. This is a unique opportunity to gather robust and insightful data that can help shape the post-racing lives of thoroughbreds in the future.”
The group detailed that while completion of the Census is not compulsory, owners are strongly encouraged to join the community and participate.
The welfare initiative was launched by British Racing’s Horse Welfare Board in collaboration with research experts at Hartpury University.
The idea is to help provide a ‘snapshot in time’ of the thoroughbred population, which the Horse Welfare Board and British Racing’s aftercare charity, Retraining of Racehorse (RoR), can use to improve and adapt welfare initiatives.
Improved traceability of thoroughbreds – once they have left racing – will also enable fast and effective contact in the event of an equine disease outbreak, the BHA explained.
Flynn concluded: “Whether your horse is retired to a field or is an RoR champion, we want to hear your stories and learn more about the amazing lives former racehorses go on to enjoy after they retire from the sport.”
The initiative is also part of British Racing’s Horse Welfare Board’s five-year welfare strategy ‘A Life Well Lived’ and its commitment to improve traceability for all horses bred for racing.
The 2023 Thoroughbred Census can be completed online here.
