Byrne Named BHA Head of Racing and Betting

Tom Byrne has been appointed head of racing and betting for the British Horseracing Authority, a revised role that replaces head of racing and racecourses. That position was previously held by Paul Johnson, who commences his role as chief executive of the National Trainers Federation in January.

Byrne joins the BHA after four years with the Horserace Betting Levy Board as operations manager. He previously held roles with GBI Racing and Racing Post. He will begin in the role in February and oversee the management and development of the BHA's racing department including production and development of the fixture list and race programme and will liaise with the betting industry to support the growth of betting on British racing.

Richard Wayman, the BHA's chief operating officer, said, “This was a very competitive recruitment process, and Tom was appointed from an impressive field of candidates. Tom is a great addition to the BHA team. As part of his role at HBLB, he has been heavily involved in matters relating to the fixture list and race programme, and their funding. As a result, he has a deep understanding of these areas as well as also having strong relationships with many of racing's stakeholders, with whom he will continue to work closely. As well as looking to continue to develop the fixture list and race programme to ensure that our horses have the opportunities to fulfil their potential, we want to ensure that racing can grow its appeal to customers and investors. Tom's good relationships with the betting industry will also be an asset, with betting liaison now forming an important part of the job. I'm delighted to welcome Tom to the BHA and look forward to working with him.”

Byrne added, “To join the BHA as part of the experienced and talented racing team is an opportunity and challenge that I am thrilled to have been offered. I am passionate about British racing and look forward to working with my new colleagues and stakeholders across the sport to deliver an environment which produces the competitive and compelling horseracing that is so crucial for our long-term growth and sustainability. It has been an honour to work for the Levy Board and I would like to thank Alan Delmonte and the HBLB team for all their support, encouragement and guidance. I'm pleased we will continue to work closely together in my new role.”

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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.”

 

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BHA Working on Plan to Allow Phased Return of Owners

British racing resumed behind closed doors on June 1, and now, with these first weeks back going well and in accordance with the UK government’s safety protocols, the British Horseracing Authority is working on a template to allow owners to observe their horses race on location. In a letter sent to racehorse owners on Monday by the BHA, the BHA’s Chief Operating Officer Richard Wayman thanked the owners for their support in these challenging times due to the coronavirus situation and outlined plans for their return in the near future. The letter reads in part:

“I want to thank owners for your continued patience and understanding during a very difficult period for our sport. You’ve shown incredible loyalty and I know how disappointing it is that you haven’t been able to watch your horses run.

“In the early stages of resumption, we have had to limit racecourse attendance to only the very minimum number of attendees with essential functional roles. This has enabled us to embed the new safety protocols in raceday operations and give participants time to adjust to different ways of working.

“Nonetheless, we have stated repeatedly that owners are integral to racing, and that getting you back onto the racecourse is an absolute priority as soon as it is safe and practicable to do so.

“We’ve been working on a phased, risk-managed plan, that adheres to the necessary safety protocols, including social distancing. We expect to have specific proposals ready to share very soon–and look forward to welcoming owners back onto the racecourse.”

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