British Horseracing Authority | Horse Racing Free Tips

UK Government to Examine Reform of Horserace Betty Levy and Gambling Reform

The UK Government will look into the timetable for reviewing the Horserace Betting Levy, and the news has been welcoming by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). Not due for a review until 2024 under the current legislation, the Horserace Betting Levy is now on the table for next year. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has magnified the funding issues of the industry, and the COVID-19 Recovery Plan, published in August, called for an urgent review as part of a wider initiative to restore industry finances. After the review was published, the BHA Chair and Chief Executive Annamarie Phelps and Nick Rust, respectively, met with the Sports Minister in September, where the issue of re-examining the Levy was raised. The Levy returns 10% of the profits on racing made by betting companies to the sport. The BHA also engaged MPs with racing interests in their constituencies, who made their own representations to the Sports Minister.

“We welcome the announcement from the Minister that DCMS will examine in 2021 the timetable for reviewing the Levy,” said BHA Chief Executive Nick Rust. “Racing industry leaders agreed that there was an urgent case for reform as part of our plans to recover from COVID-19 and have presented a united front to government. As the Minister outlined in the House today, there are ongoing conversations between the BHA and government on Levy reform. We look forward to working with DCMS officials and ministers in 2021 to ensure that the Levy is sustainable and fit for the digital age.”

Also on Tuesday, the UK Government has launched a major and wide-ranging review of gambling laws, which the BHA also welcomes. They agree with the objectives of protecting vulnerable individuals from gambling-related harm, as well as accepting the need to ensure that gambling legislation is modernised for the digital age while reflecting the significant economic contribution that gambling and associated industries make to the UK.

Rust added, “Betting on horseracing is enjoyed by millions of people safely and responsibly, with a low prevalence for gambling related harm. Despite the low levels of problem gambling in the sport, racing promotes responsible gambling and is committed to working with the betting industry to further reduce risk. We will also work closely with our partners in the betting and racing industry to formulate our response to the consultation.

“We are pleased to hear that the review will be evidence-based and we look forward to proposals that are proportionate and focused on those at risk. We know the government is aware of the potential impact on related industries such as British racing and the 80,000 livelihoods it supports. The Minister, Nigel Huddleston, made clear in his address that the challenging conditions that sports find themselves in, and the importance of legitimate commercial relationships between sport and gambling, will be considered as part of the review

“Racing and betting’s unique, interdependent relationship has been recognised by government in many ways, including through the Horserace Betting Levy. British racing has laid the groundwork for the gambling consultation with an industry group meeting for several months. Detailed submissions and representations were also made to the recent Lords Special Inquiry, which highlighted the ‘special position’ of racing and betting.”

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Further Integration Between Arabian Racing and UK Racing Announced

After the announcement of regulatory integration between Purebred Arabian and Thoroughbred racing in the UK last December, further integration steps were released in a joint statement by the British Horseracing Authority and Arabian Racing Organisation on Tuesday. A period of phased implementation by ARO began with the support of the Racing Foundation after the initial announcement.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic there were inevitable delays, however a series of interim measures are being introduced in 2021. Existing BHA licenced trainers will be permitted to train both Purebred Arabians and Thoroughbreds from the same premises. Existing ARO trainers who wish to continue training only Arabians next year should apply for an ARO licence as normal, but if they also wish to apply for a BHA licence for 2022, they should contact ARO for more details. Finally new Purebred Arabian trainers who wish to train in 2021 should apply to the ARO office and utilise next year towards fulfilling the requirements of the BHA licencing process for 2022. ARO will continued to administer all facets of Arabian racing in 2021, with the organisation providing the BHA and Weatherbys all appropriate data relating to trainers, horses, stable staff and owners as and when appropriate or required.

Charles Gregson, ARO Chairman commented, “The announcement last December that integration was to begin, was the most significant breakthrough for our sport since we started racing under the guidance of the BHA following our inception. It has always been the vision of our Patron, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, that Arabian racing would be fully integrated alongside the British thoroughbred racing industry.

“This brings the UK into line with the rest of the world, where Arabians are routinely trained alongside Thoroughbreds. It was also encouraging to welcome new owners, trainers and jockeys to the sport in the UK, even with the new restrictions.

“We thank the BHA and the Racing Foundation in enabling this progress towards integration. We are also very grateful to all our participants, sponsors, the officials, racecourses and supporters for their commitment to Arabian racing this year and look forward to the 2021 season.”

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UK Spectator Guidelines Released by BHA

A limited number of spectators will be allowed on certain English racecourses as of Dec. 2, the British Horseracing Authority announced. Spectators are permitted in some areas of England, according to the latest guidelines revealed by the UK government. Owners are able to attend fixtures across all three tiers, while regular spectators are allowed only in Tiers 1 and 2. Spectators and owners are both permitted in the Amber Zone (formerly the Owner Zone) at racecourses, but there will be specific areas reserved for owners only. Pre-registration is essential for all, and owners will receive an automatic email with details of how to register once their horse is entered to run. In addition, the owner’s email will contain information regarding badges available, food and beverage options and any screening arrangements in place at that fixture. The racecourses have produced a briefing document which outlines arrangements for owners under the tier system. Owners are also responsible for following the Owners’ Code. There is an updated version of the Owner Protocols to reflect the new tier system, as well.

The Racecourse Owners Association (ROA), Racecourse Association (RCA) and British Horseracing Authority (BHA) are continuing to work with racecourses to ensure that the raceday is as enjoyable and rewarding as possible, as the tier system enables an easing of restrictions guarding against the coronavirus. Please note that Scotland and Wales are awaiting guidance on the return of spectators. For more information, go to www.britishhorseracing.com.

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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.”

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