The Horsemen's Group | Horse Racing Free Tips

Limited Spectators to Return to English Tracks From May 17

Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that the next phase of England's roadmap out of the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown will go ahead as planned on Monday, meaning that limited spectators may return to English racecourses from May 17.

As a result of restrictions easing across England as the Covid alert level moves from level four to level three in seven days, English tracks should be able to host 4,000 spectators or fill a venue to 50% of capacity, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), Racecourse Association (RCA) and The Horsemen's Group (GB) said in a joint statement following the Prime Minister's announcement. Planning is underway to allow owners to see their horses and meet with trainers and jockeys in the parade ring from this date, as a result of changes to elements of the existing raceday protocols. Plans were set out in February for British racing's easing of lockdown restrictions, aligned to the UK Government roadmap and its guidelines for sporting events.

Beginning on May 17 under current raceday restrictions, the Green Zone will be limited to key indoor working areas only, such as the weighing room, where existing infection control measures will remain in place, including social distancing, entry screening and mandatory face coverings. On most courses, all other areas including the parade ring and stables will be separated from the Green Zone, with entry screening reduced for trainers, stable staff, the media, and others. Social distancing will continue to apply, as required by government guidelines. Face coverings will be mandatory in the parade ring areas and indoors–in line with government guidance–but not elsewhere on course. These changes will start to be introduced at courses in England initially, with British racing seeking to have the same rules applied in Scotland and Wales. For more details on these raceday COVID-19 protocols, please go to www.britishhorseracing.com/.

Richard Wayman, Chief Operating Officer of the British Horseracing Authority, said, “It is extremely exciting that we are finally able to welcome racegoers back to our racecourses. It will allow racing's many fans to come back to the sport they love after more than a year away. We know there is a huge public demand for families and friends to meet up, outdoors, enjoy great food and drink and the unique social occasion of a race-meeting.

“In addition, from next week, racing can once again offer our owners the opportunity to feel much closer to the action on a racecourse by returning to the parade ring. Racing's leaders very much appreciate the commitment and patience shown by owners over the past year when their attendance and experience at racecourses has been restricted by the pandemic.”

David Armstrong, Chief Executive of the Racecourse Association (RCA), said, “This next step in the Government's roadmap is hugely important milestone in the recovery of British Racing. Racecourses are very excited to welcome racegoers back and to be able to offer them a full raceday experience whilst extending our provision for owners to whom the sport remain greater in for their continued support.

“Lockdown began almost 14 months ago and it has been a very challenging journey for the industry and for racecourses in particular though several false starts and aborted pilot events. May the 17th marks a key step on the return to normality.”

Charlie Liverton, Chief Executive of the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) said, “Owners have played a critical role in keeping horse racing going behind closed doors throughout the past 12 months, contributing over £30 million a month in training fees alone. Whilst the invoices have continued, the ability to go racing and be a part of the race day experience has been greatly hindered as the country, and the wider industry, dealt with the pandemic at large. It is therefore a welcome step that come May 17th owners can get a step closer to the action with a return to the parade ring. There is more work to be done and we will continue to work with the BHA and RCA to improve the race day experience for owners, whilst recognising this milestone in the Government's roadmap.”

In 2020, racing halted in mid-March as the pandemic took hold, and did not resume until June 1 behind closed doors. There have been a few limited pilot events with spectators, but since the new lockdown began in late December, there have been no spectators at racecourses.

British racing is also liaising with officials at national and local level to press for a return to full crowds. The full return of spectators, however, will not start until at least June 21 according to the UK Governent roadmap. The UK Government is not likely to confirm its plans to further reduce COVID-19 restrictions until a week prior to that date.

The BHA's Chief Medical Adviser, Dr. Jerry Hill, said, “Low COVID-19 prevalence, rising vaccination levels and the wider availability of NHS testing have put British racing in a position to ease some of the infection control measures that our sport has followed so diligently since June last year.

“Like other sports, we are taking a measured approach, with incremental changes to balance protecting key raceday personnel with the return of a more traditional racecourse experience, particularly for owners and trainers.

“For now, all those going to a meeting, as participants, owners, or racing fans, will still be asked to observe social distancing and other COVID restrictions as in other areas of life. If we can all maintain those responsible behaviours for the next few weeks, it will help speed the return of 100% attendances and the further relaxation and in due course removal of physical COVID-19 infection control measures.

“I also want to thank all of our sport's participants for continuing to follow our on-course protocols, particularly around the weighing room complex and other close contact areas like the parade ring. This will help ensure that courses remain safe environments as the number of attendees increases.”

The post Limited Spectators to Return to English Tracks From May 17 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

UK Racing Welcomes Government Aid

UK racing organisations welcomed the news that the racing industry would receive £21 million in loan support, which was announced late on Sunday evening. The loan is to assist with the continuing financial fallout due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The British Horseracing Authority (BHA), Racecourse Association (RCA) and The Horsemen's Group released a joint statement in response on Monday morning. The statement read:

“The leaders of British racing have welcomed the announcement that around £21 million of loan funding will be made available to the sport through the Sports Winter Survival Package. The money will be lent to the Horserace Betting Levy Board because of its role in providing central funding of industry costs of race-day regulation, equine welfare and industry training.

“Leaders representing the British Horseracing Authority, the Racecourse Association and The Horsemen's Group have been engaging with Sport England and DCMS since the Survival Package was announced on Nov. 19th. It is intended to help sports severely impacted by coronavirus restrictions over the winter months, notably where the absence of spectators and the revenue they provide would pose a threat to the survival of clubs or sporting teams.

“The funding model for racing is different from many sports where clubs will typically receive the revenues from spectators, employ the players or participants and fund the costs of staging sporting events. Racing's leaders asked government to allow the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) to be the recipient of loan funding, because of its role in providing central funding to support raceday and other industry costs. Work continues with the HBLB to agree how the loan funding can best be used to assist the industry with surviving and recovering from COVID 19.

“No changes are expected to the HBLB's plan for funding race-days and prize money until the end of June. But with spectators not returning to racecourses until May 17th at the earliest, and in reduced numbers at that point, the gap in revenues will continue into July and until a full return of race-goers is possible. The government has already indicated that further financial help may be available for sports affected over the summer, which British racing has also welcomed.

“Racing has taken into account the need to repay any funds borrowed from the original £40 million which government set as a limit for horseracing. Whilst the terms of the loans are favourable, there is a recognition that any debts incurred will have to be paid back from future Levy income. Racing's leaders will now work with the HBLB on a plan to repay the loans over the 10-year period.”

The BHA's Chief Executive Julie Harrington said: “We are extremely grateful to officials at Sport England, DCMS and the Treasury for their support in agreeing this funding to racing. We are grateful also to the Horserace Betting Levy Board for agreeing to our proposal and borrowing this money to support the central funding of racing. This money will help ensure racing continues behind closed doors despite the absence of spectator revenues. This will benefit our racecourses, our participants and their communities, and the vital role racing plays as an employer and contributor to the rural economy.”

“The RCA and its Members are very grateful to the HBLB, DCMS and Sport England for putting in place this vital funding for the sport,” said Racecourse Association Chief Executive David Armstrong. “Racecourses have suffered lost turnover of over £325m since the pandemic began and this funding will provide a crucial bridge for both Racecourses and Horsemen as we begin the long road to recovery.”

Charlie Liverton, Chief Executive of the Racecourse Owners Association, said, “Our thanks go to the officials at Sport England, DCMS and the Treasury for their help and support in providing this loan to British Racing. In particular, the team at Sport England for their time and advice during the process. The HBLB will be the recipients of the loan and we look forward to working with them to understand how the loan can be best utilized going forward. The Government's Sports Winter Package has provided financial support to many sports industries over the past few months and this support to British Racing is very welcome.”

The post UK Racing Welcomes Government Aid appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Tripartite Group Issues Statement On Affordability Checks

The following statement was issued by the tripartite group of the British Horseracing Authority, The Horsemen's Group and the Racecourse Association. It addresses the groups liaison with the Gambling Commission about the prospect of affordability checks and its potential impact on the industry. It also touches on the group's work around the Winter Survival Fund, other concerns related to the recovery from COVID and the Levy.

Horse racing leaders have expressed their deep concern about the potential impact from the introduction of 'affordability' thresholds for online betting customers. The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has submitted the industry's response to the Gambling Commission's consultation on remote customer interaction, which is considering new financial checks to address problem gambling. Around two-thirds of betting on racing is carried out online whilst the sport has low levels of problem gambling.

The submission focuses on the economic consequences for racing and jobs in rural areas, the lack of evidence in support of the intervention and the disproportionate impact on people who bet safely and lawfully. The BHA, the Racecourse Association (RCA) and The Horsemen's Group (HG) discussed the industry's response at a meeting last week and believe there could be a disastrous impact on racing's finances and its recovery from COVID-19.

Racing supports the government's review of the 2005 Gambling Act and its intention to address the potential for harm. It agrees that gambling laws should be fit for the digital age as well as recognise the economic contribution made by the betting industry and associated industries such as horseracing. The BHA's Members believe this is the appropriate way to consider a significant intervention such as a new affordability threshold and that Parliamentarians should examine any resulting proposals.

Industry executives also briefed Members on constructive discussions with government over the Winter Survival Fund, which includes a potential £40 million of loans to racing from the UK government. The Fixtures and Funding Group, which includes representatives from the BHA, racecourses and horsemen, is working on a package of proposals for May onwards that include the fixture list and minimum prize money values. Proposals for Levy Board funding of the fixture list in May and June will be considered at its meeting on 22nd February. It is expected the fixture list will be agreed and published before the end of February.

The Members reviewed work done in recent months on the financial return to racing from the Horserace Betting Levy, which was carried out by the Levy Steering Group set up in October. It examined the revenues generated by betting on the sport, including media rights payments, as well as historic trends and the potential for future growth amidst the shift to online betting, which has been accelerated by COVID-19.

Members agreed that executives will progress discussions with the betting industry to identify potential reforms that could grow revenues on racing for all parties, in line with the sport's commitment to responsible gambling. There is a clear willingness on racing's part to consider innovations that will make horseracing an even more attractive proposition to betting customers. In these discussions, industry executives will put forward proposals for urgent reform of the Levy based on the turnover from betting on racing, including bets on overseas racing.

With the possibility of a damaging regulatory intervention on affordability, as well as the impact of betting shop closures and the absence of spectators, racing's leaders see the need to adopt a flexible and collaborative approach. Executives are ready to develop proposals in dialogue with betting operators, whilst providing the government with fresh evidence of market changes that have taken place since 2017, to demonstrate the case for reform.

Racing's leaders recognise the need to engage with government in 2021 on a wide range of issues, including COVID-19, the Gambling Act review, Levy Reform and Brexit. They emphasised how the £4 billion racing industry can play its part in wider economic recovery, especially in rural areas of England, Scotland and Wales. Racing is also working with government to promote Britain to the world for international trade and investment.

Racing continues to engage with government and Devolved Administrations over the return of spectators to sport, and the relaxation of restrictions which currently exclude owners and limit participation to professionals. All those in the industry are strongly encouraged to continue to abide by government and industry guidelines on social distancing and other measures, whether at meetings behind closed doors, in their workplace or away from work.

Julie Harrington, chief executive of the BHA, said, “A majority of our work, and of leaders across the industry, is currently focused on a range of financial issues that are vital to racing recovering from the impact of COVID. We have to plan for a range of possibilities and are working with government and other sports on the return of spectators and owners as soon as that is possible. We thank our owners for their patience and continued support amidst the current uncertainty”.

David Armstrong, chief executive of the RCA, said, “Racing is approaching the most critical period since the beginning of the pandemic. With external regulatory issues facing us in the form of the Affordability Review, the Gambling Act Review and Brexit plus no immediate prospect of racegoers returning, the next six months will be the most crucial period on our Recovery journey. The support from the Members Committee at this time is very welcome–the industry must pull together in these challenging times.”

Charlie Liverton, chief executive of the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA), said, “The effect of COVID-19 continues to impact British Racing, both on and off the racecourse. The potential ramifications of Government reviews including the Gambling Act and the Affordability Review are concerning, and the support from the Members Committee in tackling these challenges is very welcome. Owners continue to support the industry week in, week out, and we extend our sincere thanks once again for their contributions. The return of owners to the racecourse remains a key objective, working with the RCA and BHA to open up racecourses to racegoers as soon as regulations allow.”

The post Tripartite Group Issues Statement On Affordability Checks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Tripartite Group Releases Statement On Diversity

The British Horseracing Authority, The Horsemen’s Group and the Racecourse Association released a joint statement on Friday concerning diversity in racing. The statement comes on the heels of television presenter Rishi Persad receiving negative feedback for speaking out against racism in recent days, responses the groups say they condemn. The BHA invited Persad to join its scheduled meeting on Wednesday to share his views on racing’s approach to diversity.

The joint statement read, “Racing prides itself on the welcome it gives to all. We want to engage fans from all communities and we want talented people, whatever their background, to be able to succeed in our sport. However, our industry’s leaders acknowledge that pockets of discrimination exist in all areas of society, and our sport is no different. All are agreed that this has no place in our industry and that the sport must unite in standing against discrimination of any kind in racing. We can, and will, do better on this front.

“We pride ourselves on the respect we show for our horses and for the sport’s rules and traditions. We are a sport which has embraced diversity in many ways, including people of all genders competing on equal terms. We must welcome constructive debate on any issue, but we expect all those in our sport to show respect to each other when competing and when discussing our sport and its future.”

The post Tripartite Group Releases Statement On Diversity appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post