Jumps jockey Bob Champion was awarded a CBE for his charitable services to prostate and testicular cancer research. Approximately £15 million has been raised by the Bob Champion Cancer Trust since it was founded in 1983. Champion recovered from cancer and later won the Grand National on Aldaniti (GB) (Derek H {GB}) at Aintree in 1981.

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Rose Grissell, British racing’s Head of Diversity and Inclusion, said, “Despite the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 has seen positive stories created and impactful actions being undertaken across British racing. Individual milestones achieved on track, in particular Hollie Doyle’s incredible achievements, have continued to take racing to wider audiences. More so, the launch of a raft industry initiatives and the recent public focus on diversity issues have created real momentum behind the drive to make racing for everyone. We know that racing will be a better, stronger and more sustainable sport if we are able to attract a more diverse audience and a workforce that represents wider society.

“We are grateful for the Racing Foundation’s continued support, which will allow the group to work with the industry to continue the good progress made this year. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the members of the group, in particular those who have stepped down this year, for their time and efforts, as well as former Chair Nick Rust for all his work in helping to establish and guide the group since its formation.”

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“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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“The Government has shown plenty of faith in us, and we can show what an important role racing plays in national life over the next month,” said Rust on Luck on Sunday. “There will be meetings tomorrow to work everything through, because there are arrangements which are different in Scotland and Wales–but fundamentally, on first assessment last night, the only query is going to be participation of owners.

“Obviously we’d love to keep them coming–but there have been some tough restrictions re-imposed on hospitality, so there are no guarantees on that. We will fight hard on it, but the main thing is that we comply and we keep racing going for the next month.”

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In an effort to mitigate a deficit stemming from Coronavirus in 2020, the BHA enacted fund-saving measures during the suspension of racing, including accessing employing government help schemes, pay cuts for BHA staff and Board, cost savings linked to efficiencies in the Fixture List and the negotiation of a rent freeze on the BHA’s head office. To view the BHA’s Coronavirus Recovery Plan, click here.

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The recovery plan lists nine industry goals, which are as follows:

• To secure a full resumption of race-day activity, with the best possible ownership and spectator experience, and the maximum attendance possible;
• To maintain the health and safety of participants, staff and all those attending raceday meetings by continuing the safe return of racing and adherence to strict controls on social distancing;
• To put in place a fixture list and race programme for 2021 that balances increasing revenues with the well being of participants and staff and takes account of the horse population;
• To reduce the industry’s cost-base and be agile where new opportunities to increase revenue can be seized and mitigate the impact of recession, including the pursuit of immediate Levy reform;
• To seek to maximise prize money for 2021 balanced against the financial constraints of stakeholders and the sport’s projected revenues, through new commercial agreements between racecourses and horsemen;
• To agree a spending plan for central funds that best supports racing’s recovery;
• To retain key investors, including existing owners, and reform rules for syndicates and clubs to protect members and increase their appeal to potential owners;
• To present a safe, high-quality and consistent offer to race-day and betting customers based on a thorough understanding of their changing needs and behaviours due to COVID;
• To put in place foundations for a longer-term sustainable recovery for British racing.

Click here for the full recovery plan.

Nick Rust, chief executive of the BHA, said, “it’s very important that this plan has been agreed by leaders from all parts of the racing industry. We know from the way we prepared to resume racing in June that working together works. The commitment shown by leaders in signing up to this recovery plan demonstrates a continued willingness to maintain a unified approach through the tough battles ahead.”

David Armstrong, chief executive of the Racecourse Association, added, “the whole industry worked very well to enable racing to return as the first major sport behind closed doors. Now we have to renew that collaboration as we enter this recovery phase and move beyond that into 2021. This plan brings together all the necessary components in one clear action plan with some ambitious goals. From a racecourse perspective the return of racegoers and the experience for owners are clear priorities that are already underway and we look forward to the wider recovery of the sport.”

Charlie Liverton, chief executive of the Racehorse Owners Association, said, “this new recovery plan goes further towards protecting the long-term future of our sport and formalizing collaboration between the stakeholders during this difficult period. It is imperative that we focus on the vital drivers that keep our sport going and growing: retaining owners and maximizing the sport’s revenues. There is a lot to be done but I am confident that, working together, we can deliver this vital work for participants across the industry.”

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Since joining the BHA in 2017, Sykes has been involved in the development of the Horse Welfare Board; the handling of the 2019 equine flu outbreak; the publication of a detailed review of safety and welfare at the Cheltenham Festival; the implementation of 30-day foal notifications and changes to the ways in which retired racehorses are notified and traced; greater alignment and coordination of industry bodies on welfare policies; led discussions globally on the use of substances like bisphosphonates and altrenogest; and the introduction of more efficient and comprehensive anti-doping testing policies.

Nick Rust, chief executive officer of the BHA, said, “David has made a fantastic contribution to British racing over the last three years. His track record speaks for itself in achieving so much in a relatively short period of time and he will be greatly missed. We are grateful that David will continue to stay on for the time being while we carry out the difficult task of looking for his successor.”

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