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Survey to Help Future-Proof UK Racing Now Underway

Everyone working in or involved with the racing and breeding industry in Great Britain is encouraged to take part in an online questionnaire that will map industry activity with the aim of future-proofing racing, its organisations, and the livelihoods of its people, against immediate and long-term environmental challenges. The survey, which runs until Monday, Feb. 14, may be found here. Part of a joint initiative between the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), The Racing Foundation, The Horsemen's Group and the Racecourse Association (RCA), the survey is delivered in partnership with sustainability consultancy White Griffin.

In addition to the survey, there are also a series of focus group-style sessions already in progress, which seek to explore some of the environmental projects in greater detail and discuss the sustainability challenges and opportunities for racing. The engagement work is taking place online and, where possible through site visits. Additional sessions are being arranged for the coming weeks, with anybody interested in contributing to the project encouraged to contact: sustainability@britishhorseracing.com.

Rob Hezel, Chief Executive of the Racing Foundation, said, “We knew before we started this scoping assessment into racing's progress on environmental sustainability that there was a huge amount of work already underway, but that this exercise would also help us identify gaps and further opportunities.

“Climate change presents major challenges for our industry and our hope is that by measuring and understanding where we are now, we can enable industry leaders to plan more effectively for the future. Gathering the initial information and data is crucial to this process, and therefore I encourage everyone to complete the questionnaire and help ensure we benefit from a comprehensive assessment.”

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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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Spectator Restrictions to Continue as UK Government Hits Pause on Reopening

After the UK Government announced that they would be taking a four-week pause on the country's progression out of COVID-19 restrictions on Monday, the UK Racing industry acknowledged the reasons for the delay, but expressed disappointment at the news. The COVID-19 roadmap out of lockdown had been due to switch to Stage 4 on June 21, but instead the current restrictions will continue, affecting major racing events like Coral-Eclipse Day at Sandown Park, and the Moet & Chandon July Festival at Newmarket.

Currently, the industry is working with the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) to secure a £21-million loan from the UK Government's winter survival fund, however, seeking additional support from the Sport Survival Package will now be considered. As it stands, most race meetings have a max of 4,000 spectators allowed, with Royal Ascot participating in the Events Research Programme (ERP), which allows 12,000 racegoers for the five-day stand.

Julie Harrington, Chief Executive of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), said, “While it is disappointing that plans for the relaxation of restrictions and the further return of spectators have been delayed, we of course understand the principle that Government's decisions should be evidence-based and public health must come first.

“Many of our racegoers will be frustrated by this delay, but we are doing all we can to work with national and local authorities to maximise the number of people allowed to attend race-meetings in safety.”

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Royal Ascot Planning For 4,000 Spectators a Day

Under the current spectator cap put in place by the UK Government for its Roadmap out of lockdown, the five-day Royal Ascot meeting will be held with just 4,000 spectators each day. Ascot Racecourse is planning for that eventuality, but there is a slim chance that the meeting could be used as a pilot event that would allow up to 10,000 daily spectators at the venue. Step 3 of the Government Roadmap out of coronavirus restrictions is in place until at least June 21. There will be no general admission.

“In accordance with Step 3 of the Government's Roadmap, the total max capacity for racegoers on all racecourses is 4,000 per day,” Ascot Racecourse tweeted. “We remain in dialogue with Government on the possibility of a larger crowd, but will begin the process to allocate to our current permitted capacity.”

In 2020, Royal Ascot was held without spectators due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.

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