Building on reports published in 2014 and 2018, the study was commissioned by the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA) and conducted by PwC. Both the Racing Foundation and Horseracing Betting Levy Board (HBLB) funded the project.

British breeding was found to have an impact of over £375m of gross value added to the rural economy, as well as being a world-leading producer of top racehorses and the foundation for a world-class racing programme. There was also greater insight gained into the current climate in which Thoroughbred breeders operate through deeper analysis of factors affecting profitability and the overall health of the sector.

Over 7.5 million data points were analysed in the project following the impact of both Brexit and COVID-19. One of the highlights of the report was how the Great British Bonus scheme has narrowed the gap in average sales prices between colts and fillies at British sales. There are ongoing profitability issues, particularly in the middle and lower tiers of the market, where smaller operators continue to exit the industry. Forecasts on foal crops and broodmare numbers in the report also show a steady but continual reduction without intervention.

The report also outlined some recommendations for the industry to pursue, including the consideration of prize-money levels, new targeted industry incentives, creation of accessible ownership models, encouragement and support of the domestic stallion market, and the development of recruitment and retention strategies to meet the industry's talent requirements.

TBA Chairman Julian Richmond-Watson said, “It is timely as it coincides with the racing industry's development of a new long-term strategy, led by the BHA, which is an opportunity to shape racing's future and strengthen our position as a world-leader in thoroughbred racing and breeding.

“The report will be a key evidence bank for this vital work, as industry stakeholders seek to work together to address the challenges for the long-term health of the sport. A high quality and sustainable supply of thoroughbred horses is a specific objective underpinning the whole strategy, and is a requisite for an attractive, competitive and quality racing product.”

TBA Chief Executive Claire Sheppard added, “It is of fundamental importance that as the TBA, and as an industry, we take action based on a sound and robust evidence base and have a real depth of understanding of underlying trends across the whole industry.

“As this is the third study the TBA has commissioned, a comprehensive and longer-term picture of the key trends now exists, and the data have helped PwC to model into the future and map out what could happen if these trends continue and we do not take interventions.

“The long-term declining trend in the key indicators are an ongoing concern, but there are signs of hope for the future in the upturn in the 2022 British-born foal crop numbers and the positive impact of the Great British Bonus on sales prices and owner returns.

“The report demonstrates that incentives and strategic interventions can work. We must learn from this and take forward a plan with the support of breeders in particular and the racing industry in general as part of racing's new strategy.”

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“As the first in-person conference in three years, this event convenes at a critical junction of our industry as we examine the key reforms and issues impacting the sport and look forward to the key opportunities and challenges ahead,” said IFHA Chair Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, who will deliver the Conference's opening and closing remarks. “I personally look forward to the sharing of ideas that the conference will bring, and for us to connect in person once again.”

Additionally, Carly Dixon, Executive General Manager, Stakeholder, Customer & Corporate Affairs, Racing Victoria, in her capacity as Executive Director of the 39th Asian Racing Conference (ARC) Organizing Committee, is scheduled to showcase the 39th ARC, which will be held in Melbourne in February 2023.

A live video stream of the Open Forum of the International Conference of Horseracing Authorities will be available on the IFHA's website.

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“On behalf of the global Godolphin team, I congratulate this graduating class and wish them success and encouragement for their futures in the thoroughbred industry,” said Osborne.

The 2022 graduates comprised trainees from five countries, including Angus Robertson (Australia), Samantha Bussanich (USA), Devon Dougherty (USA), Erin McLaughlin (USA), Tommy Lyon Smith (UK), Brigitte Murphy (Ireland), Donncha McCarthy (Ireland), David Skelly (Ireland), Marine Moussa (France) and Solene Hudbert (France).

The diploma for the top trainee was presented to George Broughton (UK), who achieved the highest grade among the 2022 graduating group, attaining a Distinction award.

Angus Robertson and Samantha Bussanich spoke on behalf of the class, reflecting on the experience of the two years with their fellow classmates.

“We have had the most unorthodox experience in the 19-year history of the program, yet it is one that we would not exchange. At a time when people's lives were sent into turmoil through lockdowns, social distancing, and furlough, we were 11 fortunate individuals who still managed to travel, gain incredible practical and theoretical experience, and develop personally and professionally. This was due to the resilience of the Thoroughbred industry, the fortitude of the Godolphin Flying Start management team, and the generosity of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed.”

The next opportunity to apply for Godolphin Flying Start is December 2022. For more information, visit www.godolphinflyingstart.com.

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Goffs Group Chief Executive Henry Beeby said, “We are delighted to welcome Privat 3 Money as the new title partner to Goffs London Sale. P3 offer expertise and innovation in a traditional market which very much aligns with the ethos of the London Sale, while there is a natural affinity between P3 and our clientele.

“Anticipation for this year's sale is high, with the international bloodstock community set to reunite in Central London for the first time since 2019, and reports from our agents Jacob West and Mark Player predict significant numbers of American and Australian buyers attending in the hope of securing Royal Ascot runners along with strong interest from closer to home.”

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The half-redacted letter motion filed by his attorney in United States District Court (Southern District of New York) on May 17 suggests that a COVID-19 outbreak where he is being detained at Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn is the reason.

“Dr. Fishman's tier is currently in 'lockdown' status and, apparently, will remain in that position for the foreseeable future,” wrote attorney Maurice Sercarz.

Although the letter motion itself does not mention the pandemic in its unredacted portions, the internet home page for the prison features a prominent notice that “Operations are being modified at this facility due to COVID-19. All visiting at this facility has been suspended until further notice.”

Fishman was convicted Feb. 2 on two felony counts in an international equine performance-enhancing drug doping conspiracy. The judge in the case has yet to rule on Fishman's motion asking for the first of his two convicted counts to be dismissed on the basis that he was allegedly charged twice for the same crime.

Fishman's sentencing was supposed to be May 5 but got pushed back to May 26 when he claimed he did not receive financial forms from the feds that are necessary for his pre-sentencing report. Now he's requesting a new date in the range of June 20-24. Federal prosecutors have consented to this request, according to Tuesday's motion.

Although a number of defendants named in the wide-ranging racehorse doping conspiracy pleaded guilty prior to Fishman, he was the first from a federal sweep of several dozen individuals indicted in 2020 to stand trial and to be found guilty by a jury.

Fishman's case has been notable thus far because of the breadth of his legal maneuverings and some courtroom drama, which included the Florida-based veterinarian being inexplicably absent from court during his sentencing. A cryptic comment from Fishman's attorney to the judge during closing arguments led to speculation that Fishman had to be hospitalized.

In December 2021, the judge in Fishman's case modified his bail conditions after federal prosecutors alleged he was still selling PEDs while awaiting trial.

And in January 2022, one week before his trial was scheduled to start, Fishman had unsuccessfully asked the judge to delay the trial over concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro) is the afternoon's pin-up horse as he seeks an unprecedented 21st career victory when he goes in defence of his crown in the G1 FWD Champions Mile. The 6-year-old suffered the second and third losses of his career in the G1 Stewards' Cup and G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup, respectively, but bounced back with a resounding success in the G2 Chairman's Trophy last time Apr. 3. He's drawn ideally in barrier two and it's full steam ahead, according to his connections.

“We've got a good draw and obviously there should be two or three horses that will have some good pace,” said regular rider Vincent Ho. “Draw two is perfect for us and we can just track up to them and run them down in the straight. Since [his] last start, he's brought on his fitness more and we're confident going into this race.”

California Spangle (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) cuts back to the mile after finishing a gallant second in the 10-furlong Derby. He was unlucky to lose the Hong Kong Classic Mile after setting the pace from a horror draw and bounced back in the Classic Cup over 1800 metres before just giving in late in the Derby. He will have to be caught.

“It's an exciting part of it,” said jockey Zac Purton. “I don't know where we stand against Golden Sixty–he could just be better than us and that might be the case on the weekend, but we're not going to know until we race against him and I feel that my bloke has still got room to improve.”

Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) looks to become the first 4-year-old since Werther (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) in 2016 to win the Derby and double up in the G1 FWD QE II Cup. After rallying to best California Spangle in the Classic Mile, he was dealt a bad draw of his own and worked home well to be a close fourth in the Classic Cup. He knuckled down late to grab his rival in the shadows of the post in the Derby and will try to keep the ball rolling Sunday.

“Stepping up to open age…will be a big challenge for him, because he won the Derby and it was only against 4-year-olds,” said trainer Danny Shum. “Now, he's against Russian Emperor (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), who is very good over 2000 metres, so it's a big challenge for him.”

Russian Emperor steps back up in trip, having finished a sound runner-up to Golden Sixty in the Chairman's Trophy over a distance that is clearly short of his best. Prior to that, the former G3 Hampton Court S. hero took out the Gold Cup, leaving Golden Sixty in his wake.

The third of the day's Group 1s is the Chairman's Sprint Prize, headed by its defending champion Wellington (Aus) (All Too Hard {Aus}). It figures to be something other than a straight-forward task, however, given the presence of G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint hero Sky Field (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}) and Lucky Patch (NZ) (El Roca {Aus}), who was the $3.20 (11-5) favourite in the Sprint, only to go down in that horrific spill at the 400-metre mark.

Click here for the group fields.

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Second on the buyers' sheet was lot 1, the high class Put The Kettle On (Ire) (Stowaway {GB}), who is the only mare to win the Cheltenham Festival G1 Champion Chase. Offered by Henry De Bromhead's Knockeen Racing, she was purchased by Highflyer Bloodstock on behalf of Simon Davies for £380,000. Broodmare duty is next for the 8-year-old and she will visit Davies's stallion Planteur (Ire) at Chapel Stud.

Deep Cave (Ire) (Court Cave {Ire}) (lot 17) changed hands for £235,000. Part of the Charlestown Racing draft, the 4-year-old gelding caught the eye of Henry De Bromhead. The grandson of listed hurdle winner Soupinette (Fr) (Presenting {GB}) won a maiden point-to-point at Belclare by six lengths at first asking on Mar. 20.

Of the 32 horses catalogued, 31 went through the ring and 27 sold (87%) for a gross of £3,656,000. The new record average was £135,407 (+6%) and the median dipped to £95,000 (-10%). A baker's dozen (13) of lots made six figures, with seven of those reaching £200,000 or more.

Goffs UK Managing Director Tim Kent commented, “It's great to be back. That was how we marketed this sale in the build-up as we have missed it over the last two years and to see it produce new records on what was a very important return this year is a wonderful feeling. Of the 13 six-figure lots, seven made £200,000 or more, clearly demonstrating the quality that was on offer and the demand for these top-class horses.

“We are in debt to our vendors for their support once again. Aintree is a proven world-class venue and the sale's two-year absence had no impact on their desire to send their best. We would also like to extend our thanks to the Aintree Racecourse executives for their continued partnership and support. Today has been a great day and we are looking forward to our next major NH Sale–the Spring Sale–in Doncaster in May.”

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Sheikh Rashid bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, the Chairman of Dubai Racing Club, said, “We are so happy to have everyone back here for what will be a fantastic 26th running of the Dubai World Cup meeting. The atmosphere will be absolutely electrifying.

“The quality of the horses, trainers, owners and jockeys who have assembled is better than ever and we are looking forward to a superb day of racing with our guests from all over the world.

“I would like to thank our partners for their support and also the team at Dubai Racing Club, who have worked so hard to bring this meeting together.”

For the first time, the Goffs Dubai Breeze-Up Sale will be held on Mar. 23 leading up to Dubai World Cup night. The sale will be held at Meydan Racecourse, with the breezes conducted over the Tapeta track.

He added, “The first-ever Dubai Breeze-Up Sale is something we are all looking forward to eagerly as well, as it gives owners and connections in the region the chance to view and purchase some of the best bred 2-year-old horses in their backyard. It is something that will further cement Dubai's position as one of the main centres for racing, not just in the region, but globally too.”

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Mark Hughes, CEO & Founder of Gradguide, said, “Gradguide is excited to partner with Leopardstown Racecourse the return of their Student Race Day on Wednesday, Apr. 6. This is the first Student Race Day to be held since 2019 and we can't wait to celebrate the day in style with thousands of students at the home of Irish Racing.”

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From the desk of his cramped office at the New York division of the Race Track Chaplaincy of America (NYRTCA) on Belmont Park's backstretch, Chaplain Humberto Chavez can gaze out the window at what he calls, “something we've been planning for and dreaming of for years.”

Directly north of the NYRTCA's current office, a team of New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) carpenters, electricians and plumbers are at work constructing the Chaplaincy's new 3,500-square-foot building, which will double the Chaplaincy's current space and become its hub. The new building will house a chapel, a multi-purpose room, a classroom to be named after Hall of Famer and longtime NYRTCA supporter Cot Campbell, and staff offices.

“People ask about the best racing in the country, and we have that in New York,” said Chaplain Chavez. “Great people on the backstretch? We have them as well. What this new building gives us is another big positive for New York racing: a place that will welcome everybody. People will come in and they'll be home. This is something we've dreamed of for a long time. To see it happening is exciting.”

The New York Racetrack Chaplaincy Center, designed by Frost Hurff Architects of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., will ease space issues at its current headquarters, now comprised of two double-wide trailers. The Chaplaincy will continue to utilize the trailers for its weekly food pantry and clothing drive, which are currently held outdoors. A core component of the NYRTCA, the non-denominational services now held at the track's recreation hall, will move into a dedicated chapel within the new building.

A consortium of longtime NYRTCA supporters have contributed major funding to the construction of the new building including the late Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson, former NYRA President & CEO Chris Kay as well as Kenny and Lisa Troutt of WinStar Farm.
Thoroughbred owner and NYRA board member Michael Dubb supplied the bulk of all materials for the new Chaplaincy Center. Mr. Dubb is also the founder and chairman of the Belmont Child Care Association (BCCA) at Belmont Park; and he and his wife, Lee, founded Faith's House, the BCCA childcare center for the backstretch community at Saratoga Race Course, which opened last summer.

The work kicked off Feb. 7 and is proceeding on schedule. A groundbreaking ceremony for the New York Racetrack Chaplaincy Center is scheduled for Mar. 28, with a full move-in as early as the fall.

“The Racetrack Chaplaincy provides indispensable services to the backstretch community, and NYRA is proud to be able to make this new building a reality” said Dave O'Rourke, NYRA President & CEO. “We congratulate Chaplain Chavez and his team, and look forward to opening the doors of the New York Racetrack Chaplaincy Center in short order.”

The NYRTCA dates to 1986 and ministers to the spiritual needs of the backstretch community at all three NYRA racetracks – Belmont Park, Aqueduct Racetrack and Saratoga Race Course. In addition to non-denominational prayer services, the NYRTCA provides wide variety of social and educational services to the backstretch community.

Though the Chaplaincy's work with NYRA dates back several decades, the relationship rose to a new level in March 2020 when NYRA was forced to suspend live racing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That's when the essential work of caring for the needs of a small city at Belmont Park–anywhere from 450 to 600 backstretch workers living in approximately 500 rooms among 69 cottages, along with hundreds of others living in the local community with their families–took on a new urgency.

Chavez joined NYRA's Preparedness and Response Plan Committee, comprised of key NYRA staff members, along with representatives of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA), the Backstretch Employee Service Team (B.E.S.T.),the BCCA and Premise Health. For the next year-and-a-half, the Committee used an effective team approach in dealing with the effects of COVID-19 on the men and women living and working at Belmont Park.

Committee members used the same team approach in providing the most updated information on COVID-19 testing and contact tracing, followed by crucial information on COVID-19 vaccinations. Chavez played a key role in a wide variety of areas and worked as a translator for local health officials and EMTs.

“We're proud of all of the ways in which our team have stepped in as needed during the pandemic while keeping up with regular services like the food pantry, which became a real lifeline at a tough time,” said NYRTCA Board Chairman Terry Finley, who is also the President and CEO of West Point Thoroughbreds. “What this new building will do is help us take the next step in continuing to meet the needs of backstretch workers.”

Chaplain Chavez agreed.

“We're so grateful to the people and organizations that have helped make the new building a reality,” he said. “This marks the start of a new era for our community, and we can't wait.”

To learn more about the New York Race Track Chaplaincy, visit https://www.rtcany.org/

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