The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has revealed programming of over 80 High Value Developmental Races for the 2024 Flat season worth more than £3m in total prize money. This initiative was in collaboration with British Stallions Studs (EBF), Juddmonte, Darley and Tattersalls combining to provide financial support for an essential part of the race programme, with the races involved also …
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BHA: Racing ‘could not exist’ in current size without betting support
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has summarised the relationship between racing and betting, and the effect of the Gambling Review so far. Betting has seen a substantial shift from retail to online and mobile devices in the past 15 years. A betting market boom has also been followed by an ongoing period of regulatory pressure, much of which was amidst …
Read More »BHA adopts new Start rules to support welfare strategies
Several changes have been made to the start rules in British racing, after being approved by the Board of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). Following a review of stalls and starting procedures over a 12-month period, one of the first adjustments focuses on Late Load Requests – defined as raceday privilege requests made by a trainer for their horse to …
Read More »Julie Harrington, BHA: “Great racing in Britain is enjoyed far and wide”
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has emphasised the importance of the UK horse racing sector as a global sport, but also acknowledging an urgent need to maximise engagement in the domestic market. The British Racing’s Sports Economy Breeders’ Cup Trade Mission on 1 November began with a welcome reception held in California, which BHA CEO, Julie Harrington, addressed with an …
Read More »UK Racing to test new saliva doping controls
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) will begin trials of anti-doping saliva and sweat testing as measures to be reviewed for British racing’s Anti-Doping Pilot Program. The trials will begin this month, which could see the BHA reinstall oral fluid/saliva testing as part of its Anti-Doping Program. The saliva testing pilot was suspended in September 2022, as BHA awaited a comprehensive …
Read More »BHA announces new Judicial Panel for UK Racing
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has announced the members of its ‘Judicial Panel’ to oversee disciplinary affairs, appeals, and licensing disputes. The panel has been reformed following last year’s departure of Chair Brian Baker (CBE), who was succeeded by sports law expert Sarah Crowther KC. Crowther and the BHA have undertaken a comprehensive consultation with diverse stakeholders to change the …
Read More »HBLB expects steady £99m levy contribution for 2022/23
Following the conclusion of the 2022/23 financial year and the publication of the UK’s gambling White Paper, the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) has revealed its estimation of levy contributions. The racing funding organisation projects that, after receiving provisional submissions from levy-paying bookmakers, the total payment as of 31 March 2023 will stand at £99m. Contributions from operators have therefore …
Read More »BHA extends Joe Saumarez Smith’s Chair tenure to guide long-term strategy
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has extended the Chairmanship of Joe Saumarez Smith until 31 May 2025. This will represent a full three-year term for Saumarez Smith, who replaced Annamarie Phelps in June 2022 on the basis that he would serve as Chair until November 2023. However, the extension of his contract was recommended by the BHA’s nominations committee, and …
Read More »BHA: UK racing to introduce new whip rules from early 2023
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has announced that new rules and penalties related to the use of padded whips will be ‘implemented in full’ from 6 February 2023. Under the auspices of the updated regulations, jockeys must ensure that the “use of the whip for encouragement” should be limited to the backhand position only. UK racing has also established a …
Read More »Saumarez Smith to replace Phelps as BHA Chair
British Horseracing Authority (BHA) Chair Annamarie Phelps is due to step down from her role at the sporting body at the close of her term in May. The former Olympic rower will be replaced by Independent Non-Executive Director Joe Saumarez Smith, who will hold the responsibility until the end of his term on the BHA board in September 2023. Smith …
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