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Raj Parker Named to BHA Board

Raj Parker, a regulatory and sports law specialist, has been appointed to the Board of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). Parker will start his new role as an Independent Non-Executive Regulatory Director on Jan. 1, 2022, and will replace Sir Paul Stephenson, whose term expires on New Year's Eve. Currently, Parker is a senior advisor at the Financial Conduct Authority and has dealt with many investigations involving integrity issues.

BHA Chair Annamarie Phelps said, “We are delighted to welcome Raj to the Board. His prodigious experience in regulatory matters and sports law will be a valuable asset to the Board and to the sport.

“We are also extremely grateful for the contribution made by Sir Paul Stephenson to the sport over his six years at the BHA. He has played a pivotal role in what has been a period of significant change when it comes to regulation and compliance within British racing. He is a person of utmost integrity who carries the respect and appreciation of everyone on the Board.”

Raj Parker added, “I'm extremely excited to be joining the Board of the BHA at this particular time, and becoming involved in the horseracing industry. I very much look forward to helping the Board with its commitment to effective regulation and integrity and to ensure that the sport continues to be clean, fair, and well governed.”

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Saunas To Be Removed From British Weighing Rooms

Saunas will be removed from all jockeys' quarters in Britain as part of a long-term programme to modernise weighing rooms that has been developed by a cross-industry group of jockeys, racehorses and the British Horseracing Authority. Weighing room saunas have been closed as part of Covid safety measures since the onset of the pandemic, and 88% of jockeys polled support their removal.

Dr. Jerry Hill, BHA chief medical adviser, said, “Saunas have been out of operation throughout the pandemic, which has presented the opportunity for a wider discussion about their long-term future in the context of making weight safely. Acute dehydration, such as that following sauna use, shortly before racing has been shown to reduce performance as it has a negative impact on reaction time and strength. There have been reports of increased falls and by extension injuries in jockeys who have suddenly dehydrated to make weight.

“There are safe and effective methods of maintaining weight healthily through fitness and nutrition and this bespoke support is available to jockeys through the PJA Nutrition Team as well as at the IJF Centres.”

A set of minimum standards drawn up for jockeys' quarters also includes additional private changing and shower facilities; shared communal rest, food provision and warm-up areas for jockeys; communal working space for valets, and flexibility to adapt changing room sizes for demand.

Racecourse Association Chief Executive David Armstrong said, “The RCA welcomes the announcement of the long-term plan to upgrade weighing rooms across Britain's 59 racecourses. This presents a significant milestone and many months of hard work by the PJA, RCA, BHA plus jockey and racecourse representatives.

“The initial stage of meeting all ongoing safeguarding requirements is due to be completed by February, which will include the welcome removal of saunas. The outcome of this project will be the creation of significantly improved weighing and changing room facilities that are in keeping with other elite and professional sports.”

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Apprentice Jockey Finley Marsh Banned Six Months For Gambling On Racing

The British Horseracing Authority has handed down a six-month ban to apprentice jockey Finley Marsh, reports The Mirror, after he admitted to wagering over £5,000 (about US$5,660) on horse racing.

Betway notified the BHA about Marsh's activity in March, and an investigation found the apprentice had placed wagers with other entities as well. He never withdrew any winnings from the 118 wagers he placed.

Marsh had already not ridden since November of 2020, after receiving a six-month ban for skipping out on a drug test after taking cocaine.

“This is a sad case of a young man who has grappled with an addiction,” said solicitor Rory Mac Neice.

“The rule which says jockeys must not bet on horseracing is an important and a critical one,” said Panel chairman Tim Charlton. “It wasn't in any shape or form calculated behaviour and that, to our thinking, seriously reduces the blameworthiness of your conduct. We wish you well for your continued work on dealing with your problem. We've been very impressed with the efforts you've made.”

Marsh's suspension will end May 17, 2022, and he was given permission for the intervening months to exercise horses in the yard of trainer Richard Hughes, who gave a character reference at the disciplinary hearing.

British Horseracing Authority Bans Assistant Trainer 15 Months For Striking Horses

The British Horseracing Authority has issued a 15-month ban to former assistant trainer Neil Harris over two videos of incidents showing him striking horses during jumps schooling, reports racingpost.com.

The incidents occurred on Dec. 3, 2017 and Aug. 7, 2020, and were brought to the BHA in March 2021. Harris' ban is backdated to March 16, 2021.

“Welfare and the care of horses is absolutely paramount,” James O'Mahony, the BHA disciplinary panel's chairman, told racingpost.com. “In the first footage, there is in our judgement a loss of temper, which is completely inappropriate.

“Yet perhaps the most disturbing feature was blows to the face and neck of the horse concerned. In the second video, there's also the use of a solid implement. His attitude must of course be changed if he thinks for one moment he can do anything like this again.”