BHA | Horse Racing Free Tips

UK Fixture List Released For 2022

The 2022 UK fixture list was published by the British Horseracing Authority on behalf of the sport's tripartite governance structure of the BHA, racecourses and horsemen and women, on Monday. Comprised of 1,482 fixtures, the 2022 fixture list was developed by the industry's Fixtures and Funding Group, which contains cross-industry representation and was approved by all members of the group and the sport's tripartite executive committee. The list was presented to the BHA Board for approval on Sept. 9. The total fixtures for 2021 was 1,486.

There were several significant developments incorporated into the 2022 list:

An increase in quality, Sunday racing with racecourses making at least £65,000 in executive prizemoney contributions on: May 8 (Hamilton), May 22 (York), June 5 (Musselburgh), July 3 (Chelmsford City), July 24 (Chelmsford City), Aug. 7 (Haydock Park), Aug. 14 (Chelmsford City), and Aug. 21 (Sandown Park).
A sixth Flat fixture approved for Saturdays with racecourses making at least £100,000 in executive prizemoney contributions (one year only): May 14 (Chelsmford City), May 28 (Cartmel), May 28 (Chelmsford City), June 11 (Chester), June 18 (Perth), July 16 (Cartmel), July 16 (Chester), Aug. 13 (Perth), Sept. 10 (Chelmsford City), Sept. 24 (Chester).
A small number of 'rider restricted fixtures' have also been designated in the fixture list to boost participant well-being: Mar. 19 (Wolverhampton), July 31 (Market Rasen), and Nov. 26 (Wolverhampton).

For more details, please visit the BHA website here.

Richard Wayman, Chief Operating Officer for the BHA, said, “In producing the 2022 Fixture List, our overarching aim has been to enhance the appeal of racing to its followers. As ever, this has involved balancing a number of considerations such as seeking to deliver a competitive and compelling sport, whilst also supporting the revenues that encourage the acquisition and retention of owners and their horses. Also, staging fixtures at times when the public can enjoy them whilst also being mindful of the wellbeing impact on the participants who service them.

“Fixture policy is an area of tripartite decision making and, whilst there will inevitably be differences of opinion from time to time, there is complete agreement that the Fixture List must continue to evolve as we listen to what racegoers, fans of the sport and the betting industry's customers, are telling us.

“We have built on some of the initiatives trialled during the pandemic, such as the creation of additional relatively high value meetings on Sundays, and we will continue to look for more opportunities to use the Fixture List to support the future of the sport.”

The post UK Fixture List Released For 2022 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

UK Jockeys One-Meeting Per Day Protocol to Continue Through 2022

The one-meeting per day protocol for jockeys will continue through 2022, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) confirmed on Wednesday.

Initially introduced as part of measures designed to ensure racing's safe return behind closed doors during the COVID-19 pandemic, the protocol has been extended after consultation with jockeys and other stakeholders. The move was approved by the BHA board and applies to jockeys under both codes to ride at only one meeting per day.

Richard Wayman, Chief Operating Officer of the BHA, said, “Jockeys played a key role in ensuring racing's return in 2020 was a success, adapting to a new way of working in unusual circumstances while still producing at the highest level on the track.

“It is our job to do everything we can to ensure the welfare of our jockeys and it has become clear over the last year that the overwhelming majority of jockeys appreciate no longer competing at multiple meetings per day, and having to contend with the physical and mental pressures this placed upon them.”

Dale Gibson, Executive Director (Racing) of the PJA, said, “Horseracing is incredibly demanding on trainers, jockeys and racing staff, particularly given the size of the fixture list. When you factor in early morning work, extensive mileage, financial uncertainty and the significant physical and mental challenges of being a jockey, it's arguably the most challenging of professional sports for an athlete.

“The PJA conducted a comprehensive jockey welfare survey earlier this year, with almost half the membership responding. The one meeting a day rule was one area we asked members about. The clear message, particularly from Flat jockeys, was that there had been significant benefits to Jockeys from the rule, which for most outweighed any negatives and that the majority, including 72% of Flat jockeys, wanted the rule to remain.

“Based on the survey results, the PJA board had no hesitation in asking the BHA to take this step, and I am sure that the vast majority of the membership will be pleased that it remains in place throughout 2022.”

PJA Joint President PJ McDonald added, “I am very pleased that the one meeting protocol has been extended, and believe strongly that it will benefit the long-term physical and mental health of riders competing today and in the future. This will allow us to achieve a better work-life balance, which is so important whatever your profession.”

The post UK Jockeys One-Meeting Per Day Protocol to Continue Through 2022 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

BHA Supports Investigation Into Abattoir Images Displayed in Panorama Programme

Following the broadcasting of the BBC's programme Panorama: The Dark Side of Horse Racing on Monday evening, the British Horseracing Authority announced its support to investigate the images of horses being euthanized in situations which may have harmed their welfare. In addition, several leaders from the British racing industry including the BHA, as well as the Horse Welfare Board will be meeting to discuss further issues raised by the Panorama programme on Tuesday. The BHA will also be in contact with Horse Racing Ireland over the contents of the programme. which, it suggests, show horses, including former racehorses, being euthanised in circumstances which may have harmed their welfare. They also reported that some of the horses had been transported from Ireland to a British abattoir.

The BHA said in a statement, “No one in racing, and no one who loves horses, wants to see them caused distress or suffering at the end of their lives. If there has been a departure from approved abattoir practices and the welfare of the horses involved has been compromised, it is important this is addressed as a matter of urgency. This includes transporting horses over long distances to an abattoir, especially if these have injuries, which is not acceptable under the British racing industry's guidelines for euthanasia.

“The Food Standards Agency, which regulates abattoirs, is responsible for maintaining standards of animal welfare. We would support them if they decide there is evidence of mistreatment of animals which requires investigation, given the public concern that may arise from this programme

“The British racing industry, and the 7000 and more staff who look after our horses day-in, day-out, across Britain, are proud of the unparalleled standards of love, care, attention, and respect our horses receive. Where end-of life decisions are being considered, we want these to take place in accordance with the euthanasia guidelines developed by the industry's Horse Welfare Board over the last 12 months. These aim to ensure that horses' welfare is protected and that all available options for rehoming are examined.

“Our sport has set out its wider approach to equine welfare in a strategy published in 2020, which the programme chose not to highlight. One of the core aspects of this strategy is collective lifetime responsibility, and the report identified the need to further enhance our record in the fields of aftercare and traceability.”

The BHA has already taken significant steps since publishing the above strategy, including:

A review and recommendations for the funding of the aftercare sector;
The introduction of euthanasia guidelines for the industry;
Improving traceability of racehorses, including greater use of digital passports to assist in tracking cross-border horse movements
The development of a £2.5m emergency COVID relief fund for thoroughbreds that risk falling into neglect. So far, this fund has not needed to be used.

Later on Monday evening, the National Trainers Federation also released a statement condemning the practices show in the Panorama broadcast. The statement read: “The scenes at the abattoir shown in Panorama tonight were sickening and the National Trainers Federation (NTF) has no hesitation in condemning those practices. We note that the programme produced no examples of horses trained in Britain suffering a similar fate at this or any other abattoir.

Britain has a well-established and highly esteemed programme for rehoming racehorses trained in this country. Managed by the industry's charity Retraining of Racehorses, the programme has successfully expanded the market for racehorses to move on to new careers away from the racecourse. Such is the demand, our trainers tell us that they have no difficulty finding good new homes for retired racehorses.

Along with all other stakeholders and participants in British horseracing, the NTF fully supports the industry's Horse Welfare Strategy published in 2020 under the auspices of the independently chaired Horse Welfare Board. The strategy notes that “Euthanasia can…sometimes be effective in preventing unnecessary suffering and avoiding a welfare problem.” British trainers take a responsible and compassionate approach with racehorses that have long term injuries. If a vet recommends euthanasia, their aim would be to carry it out at the trainer's premises in a professional and humane way in accordance with the industry's euthanasia guidelines.”

The post BHA Supports Investigation Into Abattoir Images Displayed in Panorama Programme appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Will Lambe To Leave BHA

Will Lambe is to leave his role as executive director of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) at the end of August.

Lambe was appointed to his current position in 2017, having previously been director of corporate affairs. He joined the BHA's communications team after completing its graduate scheme in 2003.

BHA chief executive Julie Harrington said: “I would like to thank Will personally and on behalf of the organisation for his contribution to the BHA and the sport. His loyalty to his colleagues and to the BHA has been obvious to all and he will be a real asset in his next role.”

Lambe has been heavily involved in key issues faced by British racing and has .liaised closely with the government over levy reform, the gambling review and plans surrounding Brexit. Since the start of the Covid outbreak he has also assisted in the resumption of racing and recovery plan.

“I'm enormously proud of the role I have played within the BHA and the sport I love, over a great many years,” said Lambe. “It feels like the right time to move on as the organisation moves to the next phase of supporting industry recovery.”

The post Will Lambe To Leave BHA appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post