Tag Archives: British Horseracing Authority (BHA)

Former Health and DCMS Minister backs racing industry ahead of gambling review

SBC News Former Health and DCMS Minister backs racing industry ahead of gambling review

Matt Hancock, the former Secretary of State for Health, has outlined his support for the horse racing sector ahead of the Gambling Act review judgement, as reported by the Racing Post.  Expected sometime this spring, the government’s overhaul of the 2005 Gambling Act aims to address major changes in the British betting and gaming industry, notably the rise of online …

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UK Racing begins research project on environmental and sustainability impacts

SBC News UK Racing begins research project on environmental and sustainability impacts

The leadership bodies of UK racing have commissioned an initial assessment of the sport’s progress on environmental and sustainability factors to help support racing’s long-term planning for all stakeholders. Announced by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), racing leaders require a ‘clearer overall picture of current environmental activity’ registered across the sport’s value chain components of breeding, training, racing, equine travel, …

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BHA appoints Raj Parker as regulatory director 

SBC News BHA appoints Raj Parker as regulatory director 

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has confirmed the inbound appointment of Raj Parker as an independent non-executive director for UK racing’s governing body.  A senior partner of London law firm Freshfields, Parker is recognised as one of the UK’s leading barristers and arbitrators of sports and media law.   Parker will join the BHA governance on 1 January 2022, replacing Sir …

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BHA publishes 2022 fixture list but bookmakers express doubts

SBC News BHA publishes 2022 fixture list but bookmakers express doubts

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has published its fixture list for the 2022 season, with plans to enhance the number of meetings taking place on both Saturdays and Sundays. In total, the number of races taking place throughout 2022 will be 1,482, down four from the 1,486 showcased in 2021, although the number of weekend meetings will be increased, with …

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SIS and Racing Post collaborate on one-off betting shop awards programme

SBC News SIS and Racing Post collaborate on one-off betting shop awards programme

SIS (Sports Information Services) has teamed up with the Racing Post to host a one-off Betting Shop Champion Awards, aimed at recognising the efforts of retail betting and gaming staff during the COIVD-19 pandemic. As with other sectors of the UK economy, the retail betting sector has been hard hit by lockdowns, with high street bookmakers forced to close their …

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Bevan Gibson to replace Tom Phillips as RaceTech Chairman

SBC News Bevan Gibson to replace Tom Phillips as RaceTech Chairman

RaceTech Chairman Tom Phillips has announced his intention to step down from the position on 30 September, after a ‘distinguished career’ of 15 years. Having first joined RacingTech as a non-executive Director and Chair of the Audit Committee in 2006, Phillips has overseen a number of major initiatives and milestones whilst serving as Chairman of the organisation. The outgoing Chairman …

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Racing attendance raised in parliament as industry calls for greater reopening

SBC News Racing attendance raised in parliament as industry calls for greater reopening

The issue of spectator attendance at British racetracks has been raised in parliament, as calls for an increase in venue capacity from leading industry figures and organisations continue to mount. Raised during a debate regarding the Events Research Programme, MPs discussed the success of pilot events in helping inform decisions about the safe relaxation of social distancing measures. Questioning sports …

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Racing to ‘continue to press hard’ for 10,000 racecourse capacity

SBC News Racing to ‘continue to press hard’ for 10,000 racecourse capacity

UK horse racing industry leaders have confirmed that the sector’s representatives will ‘continue to press hard’ to receive the 10,000 capacity limit enjoyed by seated stadiums, as the government pushes ‘Freedom Day’ back until 19 July. The delay in the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions was announced yesterday by Prime Minister Boris Johnson – having originally been scheduled for 21 June …

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British horse racing makes commitment to diversity and inclusion

SBC News British horse racing makes commitment to diversity and inclusion

British horse racing’s leading authorities have made a commitment to improving diversity and inclusion within the sport in order to ensure it continues to ‘grow and thrive in the future’. The new commitment will build on existing initiatives employed by the sector to promote diversity, including community engagement, education activity and charitable work. Stating that British horse racing is ‘proud …

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RCA: Reopening of racecourses a ‘huge milestone’

SBC News RCA: Reopening of racecourses a ‘huge milestone’

England’s racecourses are preparing to reopen their doors to spectators next week, an event described as a ‘huge milestone’ by the Racecourse Association (RCA). Up to 4,000 racing fans will be able to reenter the racecourses as of 17 May,  under the government’s official roadmap for the easing of the UK’s national lockdown. Further lifting of restrictions will take place …

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