The racing industry’s concerns over the impact of affordability checks on the sport’s finances have been re-raised by a group of eight stakeholders, who have written to the government. Affordability checks proved to be one of the most contentious issues of the two year Gambling Act review. Advocates argued that measures were essential were customer protection, whilst critics – with …
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UK racing calls for stakeholder input to measure environmental footprint
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has urged all stakeholders to participate in its online questionnaire to help map the environmental activity of UK racing. The questionnaire forms part of UK racing’s CSR commitment, in which the governing bodies of the BHA, The Horsemen’s Group, Racing Foundation and Racecourse Association (RCA) have pledged to progress the sport’s environmental sustainability. Last year, …
Read More »RCA welcomes government announcement but ‘certain restrictions’ may remain
The Racecourse Association (RCA) has released a statement welcoming the government’s announcement of the planned relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions on 19 July, emphasising the ‘difficult time’ the pandemic has posed for the industry. Under the government’s plans, a range of COVID-19 safety and social distancing measures will end on 19 July ‘in one go’, although authorities will retain the ‘ability …
Read More »HBLB announces plans for distribution of £21.5 million SWSP loan
The Horse Betting Levy Board (HBLB) has agreed to terms on a £21.5 million loan secured from the British government as part of the Sport Winter Survival Package (SWSP). The loan has been issued as UK racing has suffered severe financial consequences as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, having lost around £400 million in racecourse revenue, whilst participants experienced …
Read More »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 …
Read More »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 …
Read More »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 …
Read More »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 …
Read More »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 …
Read More »RCA in talks with government over Royal Ascot spectators
The Racecourse Association (RCA) remains in talks with the UK government’s Events Research Programme (ERP) regarding the return of spectators for the Royal Ascot meeting between 15 and 19 June. As reported by the Racing Post, David Armstrong, Chief Executive of the RCA, confirmed that the organisation is still in discussions with the government ahead of the easing of national …
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