BHA Publishes Brexit Update

The likely new arrangements pertaining to the movement of horses and people to and from the European Union from the UK beginning on Jan. 1 has been published for the British racing and breeding industries by the British Horseracing Authority. The information covers four key areas:

A timeline for the requirements for horse movement has also been created. Additionally, for the latest Brexit information, please visit the Brexit FAQs document and the www.britishhorseracing.com, as well as the UK Government website.

Julian Richmond-Watson, Chair of the Thoroughbred Industry’s Brexit Steering Group, said, “Like many industries, we face a difficult balancing act in light of deciding when the right time is to communicate to our participants with negotiations still ongoing. Nonetheless, deal or no deal, there will be key changes to the way our interconnected industry operates from 1 Jan.

“We are keen to ensure we give participants sufficient time to familiarise themselves with the relevant processes and have aimed to keep the information in as simple, short and engaging a format as possible. Given we still require clarity on a number of key policy areas, it is possible that this guidance may change, but the Steering group felt it was right to be proactive and communicate what we anticipate the likely arrangements to be from 1 Jan. from the information available.

“It remains our advice not to move horses in the first two weeks of January and to engage a shipping and or customs agent to assist you, particularly if you are operating on an individual basis or familiarising yourself with these new processes for the first time. We will continue to press Government for clarification on the outstanding policy areas and communicate further progress to the industry as soon as we are able to.”

The post BHA Publishes Brexit Update appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

David Jones Appointed to BHA Board

David Jones has been appointed to the British Horseracing Authority Board as a Regulatory Independent Non-Executive Director beginning on Jan. 1, the BHA announced on Monday. Jones replaces three-term BHA board member Andrew Merriam. Previously a racecourse Stewards’ Panel Chair with a decade spent as a steward, as well as three years as a member of the Racecourse Committee at Kempton Park, Jones has also been a racehorse owner. In addition, he is a member of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)’s New Competition Board and has worked with the Head of The Hundred-Women’s Competition. Jones also served in senior roles at Waitrose and John Lewis, where he became an Elected Director of the Board and President of the John Lewis Partnership Council, as well as the Board Ally of the LGBT+ Group.

“We are delighted to welcome David to the BHA Board,” said BHA Chair Annamarie Phelps. “He brings with him substantial insight and enthusiasm for the racing industry, which has been exhibited through his invaluable contribution to a number of recent industry projects, and his time as a well-respected member of our stewarding team.

“Our sincere thanks go to Andrew Merriam for his immense service to the BHA Board across many areas and committees, and his continued service to the sport of racing. It would be hard to find a better liked or more respected individual and his contribution to the racing industry during his three terms at the BHA has been significant indeed.”

The post David Jones Appointed to BHA Board appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

14 Additional Fixtures Added to UK Calendar

There will be 14 additional fixtures added to the UK racing calendar following approval by the Board of the British Horseracing Authority. The proposal was submitted by the Racecourse Association (RCA) which has the full support of the Horsemen’s Group (HB). The fixtures have been added to shore up racecourse finances, as well as generate a positive return for the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB). The 14 fixtures are as follows:

Flat Fixtures:

  • 15/11/20 Southwell – Afternoon
  • 22/11/20 Wolverhampton – Afternoon
  • 23/11/20 Chelmsford City – Floodlit
  • 24/11/20 Lingfield Park – Afternoon
  • 30/11/20 Kempton Park – Afternoon
  • 01/12/20 Newcastle – Afternoon
  • 06/12/20 Southwell – Afternoon
  • 07/12/20 Chelmsford City – Afternoon
  • 08/12/20 Wolverhampton – Afternoon
  • 13/12/20 Lingfield Park – Afternoon
  • 14/12/20 Kempton Park – Floodlit
  • 15/12/20 Newcastle – Afternoon

Jump Fixtures:

  • 29/11/20 Ffos Las
  • 20/12/20 Bangor-on-Dee

“These additional fixtures will give some relief in the most challenging of times to the racecourses that are staging them and to the horsemen who have additional opportunities to race,” said RCA Chief Executive David Armstrong. “This is an excellent example of the industry working together for the common good and we are grateful to the Levy Board for its support.”

The post 14 Additional Fixtures Added to UK Calendar appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

English Racing to Continue As Betting Shops to Close Due to New COVID Lockdown

British Prime Minister Borris Johnson announced during a press conference Saturday evening a four-week national shutdown, set to begin Thursday, Nov. 5, as a result of the rising COVID-19 cases in England. While horseracing, and other elite sports will be able to continue behind closed doors, betting shops, which re-opened following the initial lockdown June 15, are scheduled to be among businesses closed later this week.

A release issued by the British Horseracing Authority stated: “The horseracing industry has worked hard to maintain the safety of our participants and the communities in which we live and work. We have done all we can to play our part and will continue to do so under the new restrictions. The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, Oliver Dowden has said that elite sport played behind closed doors will be able to continue in this period. Horseracing is included in that category, which is crucial for our industry.”

“The government’s decision, we believe, recognizes the professionalism shown by our people and the vital need to protect their jobs. This is welcome news for the tens of thousands whose livelihoods depend upon our industry. Now, more than ever, we recognize the need to act responsibly and keep racing safely. In the difficult weeks ahead, our sport will do its best to lift the nation’s spirits.”

“We have set out to government in recent weeks the perilous future we face with no spectators permitted at present and betting shops closing. [The] decision does not alter the fact that racing needs urgent financial aid and funding reform to protect jobs and the future of our world-class industry.”

The post English Racing to Continue As Betting Shops to Close Due to New COVID Lockdown appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Verified by MonsterInsights