Tag Archives: British Horseracing Authority (BHA)

BHA expands High Value Developmental Races for 2024

SBC News BHA expands High Value Developmental Races for 2024

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

SBC News 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 …

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BHA adopts new Start rules to support welfare strategies

SBC News 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 …

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Julie Harrington, BHA: “Great racing in Britain is enjoyed far and wide”

SBC News 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 …

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UK Racing to test new saliva doping controls

SBC News 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 …

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BHA announces new Judicial Panel for UK Racing

SBC News 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 …

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HBLB expects steady £99m levy contribution for 2022/23

Bookies Corner: Grand National trading trends ahead of ‘the public’s race’

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 …

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BHA extends Joe Saumarez Smith’s Chair tenure to guide long-term strategy

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 …

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BHA: UK racing to introduce new whip rules from early 2023

bha whip rule changs

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 …

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