SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has introduced a new licence for racehorse syndicators and racing club managers aimed at strengthening the regulation of shared ownership.
The licences are part of wider efforts to promote the continued growth of shared ownership, and give members ‘increased confidence’ in how syndicates and racing clubs are managed and regulated.
Its introduction follows an extensive period of engagement with stakeholders, including an industry-wide consultation, to ensure that the regulation keeps pace with the increasing appeal of syndicate and racing club membership.
Harry Williams, BHA Head of Participant Services, described the continued growth of shared ownership as a key part of racing’s long-term sustainable future, with syndicates and racing clubs giving more people the chance to experience the thrill of racehorse ownership in an affordable and enjoyable way.
He said: “The vast majority of syndicates and racing clubs are operated to the very highest standards, but inevitably as the number of people involved in setting up, running and promoting them continues to rise, so do the associated regulatory challenges.
“By introducing this new licence, the BHA can take a more proactive approach to managing emerging risks and maintain consistent standards across the board.
“This will not only provide greater clarity for syndicators and club managers about their role and responsibilities, but also help maintain trust in shared ownership by ensuring those involved feel confident that they are sufficiently protected and supported.
“This is an important step forward as we look to retain racehorse owners here in Britain and attract the next generation.”
The authority explained that the licence will apply to anyone wishing to manage a syndicate or racing club that advertises publicly or that they are paid to administer, which includes licensed trainers who run their own syndicate or racing club.
Existing syndicators and club managers will be required to have a valid licence in place by 1 January 2026, while anyone applying to set up a new syndicate or racing club after 1 January 2025 will need to ensure they have already been granted a licence.
The BHA also emphasised that it has already contacted existing syndicators and club managers to help ensure the new licence is introduced ‘as smoothly as possible’, with step-by-step guidance to support the application process.
The BHA asserted that ongoing assistance will also be available via its ownership team.
Dan Abraham, Chairman of the Racehorse Syndicates Association, concluded: “The Racehorse Syndicates Association are delighted to support the introduction of a licence for syndicators and racing club managers.
“The initiative provides clarity on minimum standards and an opportunity for the BHA to assess the competence of those who run commercial syndicates and clubs. In addition, it provides further confidence to anyone getting involved with well-run syndicates and racing clubs.”
