Latest from Horse & Hound in British-horseracing-authority

Welsh first minister swerves direct question on future of horse racing

Lucy Elder — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 15:11:10 +0000

Welsh first minister Rhun ap Iorwerth swerved a question about the future of horse racing in Wales following the ban on greyhound racing.

On 17 March, The Senedd (Welsh parliament) voted to end greyhound racing. The ban will come into effect at some point between 1 April 2027 and 1 April 2030. The following day, members of the Scottish parliament voted in favour of a ban in Scotland.

On 1 July, Reform UK Senedd member (MS) Cai Parry-Jones raised the topic during first minister’s questions.

“First minister, your party supported the banning of greyhound racing in Wales, as a result, it will be fully banned in Wales as early as next April. I am seriously concerned that Plaid Cymru’s thirst for banning British cultural sports will not stop here,” he said.

“Plaid Cymru MP Liz Saville [Roberts] said a few months ago that Grand National-style horse racing should be banned. First minister, horse racing is not only a cultural part of our British identity, but an economic one – generating hundreds of millions of pounds for Wales, supporting jobs from stables to tracks to bars at the races. Will you confirm to the Senedd today that you will not be moving to ban horse racing with jumps here in Wales?”

Mr Ap Iorwerth responded, saying: “I’m afraid I have to correct the member, the vote on greyhound racing was a free vote, and I believe it was for most parties in the last Senedd.”

Responding to the exchange, a British Horseracing Authority (BHA) spokesperson told H&H the BHA “has been active in the Senedd for a number of years, running a cross party group and engaging with the Welsh Government on behalf of the industry”.

“The industry has invested over £63m since 2000 in equine welfare initiatives, which have helped deliver genuine progress, and politicians from across the political spectrum were previously on the record in the last Senedd praising the high standards of equine welfare in the sport,” added the spokesperson.

“The Welsh horseracing sector continues to be an economic and sporting success story for the Welsh nation and it is worthy of Government support.”

In March, the BHA was quoted as saying that at every stage, both governments have been keen to stress that there is no connection between these bills and the future of the horseracing industry in Scotland and Wales.

At the time, World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers told H&H: “We know that society is increasingly questioning how we involve animals in our lives in so many different ways, from pets, to livestock, to animals involved in sport, and the greyhound ban in Wales and Scotland is another timely reminder about what the consequences can be if a sport loses public trust.

“Equally, it is well recognised that maintaining trust is one the key drivers of public acceptance and this can be strengthened by genuine, ongoing and evidence-led actions to improve safety and welfare. So this must remain a strategic priority for horse sport, along with being transparent and accountable for the actions undertaken. In this way sport will truly be putting the horse first, which should help avoid future restrictions and provide for a more sustainable future.”

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Rising equine flu cases lead to special measures at Royal Ascot

Lucy Elder — Mon, 18 May 2026 16:49:10 +0000

Hunter chases have been abandoned, special measures enlisted for the royal procession at Ascot and retired racehorse parades cancelled owing to the continued rise in equine flu cases.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has announced that only horses from licensed training yards will be allowed to enter racecourses on racedays from Wednesday (20 May).

“With a continued rise in reported equine influenza cases in the non-thoroughbred population, this is a precautionary measure to prevent any mixing between the thoroughbred racing herd and horses and ponies from yards that are not licensed,” said a statement from the BHA.

This means all scheduled hunter chases from 20 May, including the popular hunter chase evening at Stratford on 29 May, have been called off. Other equine events due to take place on British racecourses, including Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) parades, are also cancelled.

The BHA statement also said the authority is “working with Ascot racecourse to replicate the biosecurity measures of a licensed premises to enable the royal procession to go ahead without any increased risk”. Traditionally, members of the royal family and invited guests arrive in a horse-drawn procession before racing each day at Royal Ascot.

Biosecurity measures will also be required for police horses attending the racecourse. Conversations are already in progress around this and the BHA will meet with Ascot, the police and others to work through the practicalities.

James Given, BHA director of equine regulation, safety and welfare, said: “The news today will understandably be disappointing for many people, but levels of equine flu are higher than at any time in recent history and it’s essential that we take all necessary steps to protect the thoroughbred herd.

“These measures follow extensive engagement with independent infectious disease experts about how we further reduce the risk of exposure and ensure the continuity of racing.

“In addition to vaccination, this can be best achieved by preventing the mixing of racehorses with horses and ponies from premises that are not licensed by the BHA, where we have more limited information about their health and vaccination status.”

The racecourse restrictions will remain in place until the BHA is “confident that the levels of equine influenza in the British horse population have fallen and there is no heightened risk to the thoroughbred racing herd”.

“I’m encouraged by the response we have already seen from the racing community about the vital importance of maintaining the biosecurity of the thoroughbred racing herd. We continue to urge constant vigilance, especially around the movement and mixing of horses,” said Mr Given.

“Information about vaccination, infection control measures and spotting the signs of flu are available on the BHA website.”

The BHA is working with the racecourses that were due to hold hunter chases to discuss options for potentially replacing lost races.

Racecourses will also be required to increase the period of time between hosting an equine event involving horses from unlicensed premises and a licensed raceday taking place to six clear days (from three).

The measures follow consultation with experts at Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance (EIDS) and the Racecourse Association’s representative on the BHA veterinary group. The BHA has also engaged with affected racecourses, the ROR, the Point-to-Point Authority and the Pony Racing Authority.

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‘He leaves a great legacy’: farewell to Derby-winning racehorse owner and breeder

Becky Murray — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 17:12:58 +0000

Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, the prominent racehorse owner and breeder died on 29 December.

Sheikh Mohammed Obaid’s recognisable yellow silks with black spots had been carried to hundreds of victories in Britain since the early 1990s.

He was the cousin of Godolphin founder Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The family’s Darley operation bred the great Dubawi, out of Sheikh Mohammed Obaid’s Italian Oaks winner Zomaradah, whom he also bred.

As an owner, one of his greatest successes was the 1998 Derby at Epsom, won by High-Rise, trained by Luca Cumani and ridden by Olivier Peslier. Another notable horse was the Roger Varian-trained Postponed, son of Dubawi and winner of the 2015 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the 2016 Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Cup.

Postponed was ridden to eight of his nine of his victories by Andrea Atzeni, who rode 193 British winners for Sheikh Mohammed Obaid. Andrea said: “Not only was he my boss, but also a great friend and family man.”

“He leaves behind a great legacy and the love he had for his horses and the sport. My sincere condolences go out to his family,” he said.

More recently, Sheikh Mohammed Obaid enjoyed success as the owner-breeder of the 2024 Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Rosallion and Group One Coronation Cup winner Inisherin. On 14 November 2025, his home-bred Royal Champion won the Bahrain International Trophy.

Godolphin’s director of studs, stallions and breeding Liam O’Rourke said the death of Sheikh Mohammed Obaid is a “tremendous loss to racing and breeding”.

“He has been an outstanding owner and breeder for over three decades and his contribution to the sport has been enormous,” he said.

“We send our condolences to his family, and he will be greatly missed by everyone at Godolphin.”

A British Horseracing Authority spokesperson said that during Sheikh Mohammed Obaid’s decades as an owner and breeder, “he made a significant contribution to the sport, for which all who enjoyed watching his many excellent horses are grateful”.

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New scheme to help connect the dots when horses leave racing as ‘this moment is a crucial point’

Lucy Elder — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 17:21:42 +0000

A new initiative is in place to help connect the dots in real time as horses take their first step out of racing.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) launched a data-sharing agreement over the summer, as part of the wider aim of closing gaps on traceability and building understanding of thoroughbreds’ lives once they leave racing.

It enables RoR to contact owners once a non-racing agreement is signed on the BHA’s database and the data is passed to RoR.

Owners are then invited by RoR to complete a short survey to confirm each horse’s current status, outline future plans and, where applicable, to register the horse with RoR. This allows RoR to gather data on horses’ whereabouts and next steps. In turn, it offers owners access to free support and resources, including retraining advice, education and information about RoR activities.

“The moment a horse retires is a crucial transition point, and this agreement ensures we can connect with the new keeper without delay,” said RoR managing director David Catlow.

“It enables us to build a fuller picture of life after racing, promote responsible ownership and offer early access to the support RoR provides. Together with the BHA, this marks an important step forward in strengthening the traceability framework for retired racehorses.

“In the first five weeks since launch,18.45% of owners contacted completed the survey, providing valuable insight and helping shape future support for former racehorses. This represents a strong initial response, and we are encouraged by the level of engagement so far.”

The joint initiative was commissioned by the racing industry’s Horse Welfare Board (HWB), which has been “a central driver” in the agreement and securing funding from The Racing Foundation.

World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers told H&H effective traceability “is a vital requirement for protecting all our horses”.

“Racing has made great strides in this whole area, including the development of their own digital ID system, 30-day foal notifications and having the power of regulation,” he said.

“However, we know that horses in transition, including those leaving racing, are often at most risk of falling through the cracks so it’s essential that racing perseveres on this road and shows the rest of the horse world – and governments – that full traceability is not only critically important, but entirely possible.”

BHA director of equine regulation, safety and welfare James Given said the agreement is “a practical and positive step towards strengthening post-racing outcomes for thoroughbreds”.

“By enabling RoR to engage directly with owners at the point of retirement, we’re helping bridge a long-standing data gap and support more informed, evidence-based welfare decisions,” he said.

Helena Flynn, programme director at the Horse Welfare Board added: “The ambition remains to achieve 100% traceability at the point horses step out of racing – a goal that the HWB and its partners continue to champion.

“While this data-sharing agreement does not provide all the answers, it is a critical building block in a long-term solution that will evolve over time.”

A separate collaboration, between RoR and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Programme (TAP), was also announced recently.

The aim is to combine RoR’s expertise in aftercare with TAP’s network of training and coaching opportunities. It comprises a data-sharing agreement for horses registered with TAP, and both organisations will highlight each other’s initiatives.

TAP programme director Justine Parker said: “Our unfaltering mission is to support the successful transition of racehorses into fulfilling second careers as riding horses. By working together, we are able to offer an even stronger network of support to encourage more riders to consider a thoroughbred as their horse of choice.”

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Racing authority considers licence conditions after champion jockey Oisin Murphy fined £70,000 for drink-driving

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 15:39:40 +0000

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is considering new conditions for Oisin Murphy’s licence, after he pleaded guilty to drink-driving.

The 29-year-old four-time champion Flat jockey was fined £70,000 and banned from driving for 20 months, at Reading Magistrates’ Court today (3 July). The judge heard he gave a reading of 66mcg alcohol in 100ml breath – nearly twice the legal limit of 35mcg – seven hours after the accident in which the Mercedes he was driving left the road and hit a tree.

The prosecutor told the court police arrived at the scene of the accident, shortly after midnight on 27 April, to find Oisin speaking on his phone and his passenger, the owner of the car, lying on the ground.

“At the scene, he admitted he was the driver at the time of the collision,” the prosecutor said, adding that a request was made for a roadside breath test but there was a “misunderstanding between him and the officers”, and no sample was provided.

Oisin was taken to hospital, then to the police station, where he produced a breath sample at about 7am.

In mitigation, Oisin’s counsel said: “He accepts it was a grave error on his part and is deeply remorseful.”

He added that Oisin had asked him to apologise to his passenger, the public and other road users and his colleagues.

Apologies

“He fully appreciates that driving with excess alcohol can have devastating consequences,” he said, noting that Oisin has no previous convictions and is a “relatively young man of good character”. He suggested a fine might be the appropriate punishment, citing his client’s “relatively limited” regular income of £1,250 per week, but adding that his annual net winnings last year were about £250,000.

The district judge noted the level of alcohol and that the reading was taken so long after the collision, and that aggravating factors were the fact a collision occurred, and that Oisin had a passenger.

“You’re lucky that neither you, your passenger nor the public was caused any injury as a result of your actions,” he said. “I balance that with your remorse, you admitted at the first opportunity you were the driver of the vehicle and cooperated with the procedure at the police station. You recognise you’ve let the public and your colleagues down.”

Oisin was fined £70,000 and must pay a £2,000 surcharge and £85 costs. He was banned from driving for 20 months, which will be reduced by 20 weeks if he completes a drink-driving rehabilitation scheme by next August.

Serious offence

A BHA spokesperson said: “Everyone at the BHA, like all involved in our sport, is disappointed today having learned the details of the offence to which Oisin Murphy has pleaded guilty. This is a very serious offence that, in the course of being committed, saw Mr Murphy jeopardise not only his own safety but that of his passenger and all other people travelling on the roads at the same time as him that night.

“His conduct fell a long way short of the standard we expect of all licensed individuals, in whom we place trust that they will represent our sport to the best of their abilities, upholding our collective reputation and ensuring racing is a safe place for all.

“In light of Mr Murphy’s guilty plea and the information revealed in court today, we will be working on the addition of new conditions on his licence that may be referred to the licensing committee for their consideration. As has been the case in recent weeks, Mr Murphy remains free to take up his riding engagements.

“We will issue an update on this process in due course and will be making no further comment at this time.”

In a statement on social media this afternoon, Oisin said he wanted to “sincerely apologise” for his actions.

“I know that drink driving is unacceptable and there is no excuse for what I did,” he said. “I have let a lot of people down. I particularly want to apologise to my passenger and her family. Due to the police investigation, I have so far been able to share only minimal details of my offence with the [BHA]. I will now be fully cooperative with their enquiries.

“It would not be appropriate for me to comment further until that process is concluded.”

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The sport has lost a friend: sad farewell to ‘passionate and dedicated’ supporter aged 53

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 17:53:36 +0000

Former British Horseracing Authority (BHA) chair Joe Samarez Smith has died aged 53, surrounded by his family.

Joe, described as a “passionate and dedicated” supporter of racing, who enjoyed a long and distinguished career in the sport, died at home today (11 February), 20 months after he was diagnosed with inoperable cancer.

The BHA confirmed his death “with great sadness”.

“Our thoughts and prayers – and we are sure those of everyone involved in our sport – are with Joe’s family and friends,” a BHA spokesperson said. “He will be hugely missed by us all.”

Joe became fascinated with racing when he was eight and his teacher used betting odds to teach fractions. He went to his first meeting aged 12.

In 1991 he was on the Jockey Club graduate programme, and went on to write for the Racing Post, the Financial Times, The Times, The Telegraph and Bloomberg.

Joe joined the BHA in December 2014 as a non-executive director. In March 2022, he was appointed chair and in December that year, his term was extended until June 2025. He stepped down on 30 January as his health had deteriorated.

BHA acting CEO Brant Dunshea said: “It has been a great privilege to have known and worked with Joe, always providing wise counsel and tremendous support to the BHA team and to me personally, and for that we will be for ever grateful.

“His commitment to advocating Britain’s interests on the global stage was unwavering, and for that British racing owes him a huge debt of gratitude. We will miss him terribly.”

Interim BHA chair David Jones said Joe was a great friend of racing, as well as a personal friend to many.

“Joe’s enthusiasm for the sport shone through in everything he did,” he said. “He had such a deep knowledge of all aspects of the industry and I and other board colleagues will really miss his insight.”

The BHA said Joe had been “one of the most influential and distinguished figures in British racing”, a global ambassador for the sport as well as his senior BHA roles.

“As BHA chair, Joe steered a complex industry through a challenging restructure of its entire operating system, creating a new governance model to deliver a more sustainable and dynamic economic future,” the spokesperson said.

“Alongside this, Joe had a transformative impact on two vitally important areas for the sport – its equine stars and the staff who nurture and care for them. Through Joe’s direction, British racing took an increasingly proactive approach to horse welfare, the latest manifestation of which was evidenced in the BHA’s HorsePWR campaign.

“Similarly, through the industry strategy work, Joe promoted the creation of a new Horseracing People Board (HIPB) to explore and improve all aspects of our workforce’s lives. And as part of this work, Joe was a great supporter and passionate champion of the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards.”

The spokesperson added that Joe’s commitment is “even more remarkable” given his diagnosis of stage four lung cancer.

“While undergoing debilitating treatment he continued to be ever present on British racecourses and undertook a gruelling period of international travel to promote the sport overseas, ensuring that British horseracing remains one of Britain’s greatest avenues for inward investment while also acting as one of the Government’s most-effective soft power levers,” he said.

“Joe was a great champion for people in the sport – across all roles – being nominated for honours in the birthday and New Year Honours Lists. It is a great sadness that he did not know that his colleagues at the BHA and his peers had nominated him for an honour this year.

“His wife Wanda and their children have asked us to pass on their deep thanks for all the messages of support they have received since Joe was first diagnosed with cancer in June 2023 and especially since he stepped down as BHA chair on 30 January when his health worsened. They have asked for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time.”

Details will be announced about memorial arrangements for Joe.

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Risk factors that could reduce fatalities in jump racing identified

Becky Murray — Sun, 12 Jan 2025 19:33:36 +0000

Running on softer ground could decrease equine fatalities in jump racing, researchers have concluded.

H&H reported that British racing was partnering with the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) on the development of racing risk models (RRMs), to better understand risk factors that lead to long-term injuries, falls and fatalities (news, 12 December 2024).

In a paper published in Equine Veterinary Journal, a team of RVC researchers used the RRMs to analyse data from all jump race starts made on British racecourses between January 2010 and April 2023, to describe the risk of, and determine, risk factors for fatality in British jump racing.

Of the 384,408 starts analysed, 1,932 ended in fatality.

The researchers said the reported fatality rates are similar to those previously estimated for British jump racing and among the findings, three factors were common to both steeplechase and hurdle fatality models – faller status, horse age and going. In both race types, fallers and older horses had higher odds of fatality and softer going decreased the odds of fatality.

The findings were shared with British racing’s Equine Safety Group (ESG), made up of industry experts “tasked with combining the RRM’s findings with their deep practical knowledge, to make evidence-based recommendations that will enhance the safety of the sport”.

The researchers said that although equine fatalities in jump racing are often associated with falling, “faller status has rarely been examined as a risk factor”.

An RVC spokesperson said that although falling heightening the risk of fatality is “perhaps not surprising”, quantifying this association has prompted racing’s ESG to initiate further work to better understand why horses fall.

“Additional research into fallers included the development of RRMs for falls in jump racing, which has demonstrated that the risk of falling was lower for starts made over padded-style hurdles. This has led to the recommendation that all birch hurdles be replaced with padded hurdles by October 2026,” he said.

“In addition, detailed analysis of video footage of all races in which a horse falls is being conducted to better understand how conditions within a race influence fall risk.”

The spokesperson added that the horse-related factors associated with risk has led to the introduction of enhanced pre-race veterinary inspections for horses who may potentially be at greater risk of injury or fatality – and that further work is ongoing around ground condition to better understand how weather factors and racecourse maintenance, including watering, play a role.

RVC professor of veterinary clinical epidemiology Kristien Verheyen said the college is pleased to be working in collaboration with British racing to “improve the understanding of negative outcomes in racehorses and enhance safety”.

“This research will greatly help the industry in making scientifically backed decisions that will benefit the welfare of the sport’s equine participants, which must be the number one priority of all involved in racing,” she said.

The project is jointly led by the British Horseracing Authority and the Horse Welfare Board, with funding from the Racing Foundation, as part of the industry’s focus on improving safety and reducing risk to racehorses.

British Horseracing Authority director of equine regulation, safety and welfare and Horse Welfare Board member James Given said the RVC epidemiological team has “academic expertise and independence that delivers scientifically rigorous evidence that enables recommendations and actions to be based on indisputable data”.

“Reduction of risk and injury is one of the core pillars of our welfare strategy and informed evidence-based decision-making is integral to this,” he said.

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Investigation launched after four horse deaths on one day at racecourse

Gemma Redrup — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 13:02:55 +0000

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) will investigate the deaths of four horses at Newton Abbot Racecourse, which occurred during a National Hunt meeting at the track on Tuesday afternoon (25 June). This investigation will try to determine the causes of death.

Happy Helen, Hallowed Rose, Bala Brook and Cuzzicombe all suffered fatal injuries during the fixture, while Great Colewood was also reported to have finished lame and Holerday Ridge bled from the nose.

A statement released by the BHA today (26 June), said that “losing four horses at a single fixture is extremely rare but this does not reduce the seriousness with which the BHA takes this matter”.

The statement said: “Our thoughts are with everyone connected to the horses who suffered fatal injuries yesterday. The loss of any horse is always a dreadful occurrence for the owners, trainers and stable staff who provide them with outstanding care and attention throughout their lives, and so a day like yesterday is one that deeply saddens all of us who love the sport.

“All four deaths will be thoroughly investigated to understand as best as possible how they occurred and a report will also be compiled on the condition of the course, which is being assessed in order to ascertain whether there are any concerns regarding the racing surface.”

A spokesperson for Newton Abbot said the course had been in contact with the BHA after Tuesday’s fixture but was unable to comment further until a report had been compiled by the clerk of the course.

Fatality rates in British racing dropped in 2023, compared to the previous year, with 158 deaths recorded from 87,619 runners, equating to a fatality rate of 0.18%.

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Whisker trimming and pre-competition ice to be banned in British racing

Lucy Elder — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 16:07:07 +0000

British racing has banned the trimming of whiskers, bringing the sport into line with other equestrian disciplines.

The move is among several rule changes that will come into force on 1 July.

Trimming of sensory hairs was outlawed by the FEI – the international federation that governs the Olympic and Paralympic equestrian disciplines – in July 2021. British Eventing, British Dressage and British Showjumping have all followed suit.

“The removal of sensory hairs (more commonly known as whiskers) will no longer be permitted, bringing British racing into line with other international equestrian disciplines,” said an update from the British Horseracing Authority today (6 June), adding that this will come into effect on 1 July.

“Unless removed by a veterinarian on welfare grounds or to allow for treatment, the sensory hairs around a horse’s mouth, nose and eyes can no longer be clipped, shaven or removed in any way.

“This change has been made to help ensure a horse’s tactile sensory function is not compromised, which can happen if sensory hairs are removed.”

The rule updates also include changes to the ways in which ice is allowed to be used before a race – and bans certain equipment from the stables that is designed to have an effect on a horse’s body, such as magnetic rugs and massage pads, unless approved by a vet.

“The use of ice on a horse prior to racing will not be permitted once the horse has arrived at the racecourse, unless approved by a BHA veterinary officer,” states the update.

“Previously, ice was allowed to be applied to a horse on a racecourse up until two hours before the start time of a race, and within two hours if approval was granted.

“As ice can be used to mask pain, it has now been agreed that ice or other cooling devices can only be used once a horse enters a racecourse if permission is granted from a veterinary officer.”

An addition to the rules, intended to make clear what equipment is not allowed to be used in the racecourse stables area, adds: “Unless approved by a BHA veterinary officer, items designed or advertised to have an effect on the horse’s body system, such as magnetic boots, magnetic rugs and massage pads, should not be brought on to racecourse property.”

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Davy Russell: ‘Throwing more money at the top of the sport isn’t the right way to fix it’

Davy Russell — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 10:18:54 +0000

Retired three-time Irish champion jockey Davy Russell slams the negativity surrounding the state of jump racing in England

I’ve heard so much negativity about racing being in disarray recently, and it hit fever pitch at the Cheltenham Festival, where everybody seemed to have a bad news story. But within the sport, it feels the complete opposite and that makes it hard to listen to.

At the Festival last week, we saw some brilliant horses, fantastic training performances and top-notch jockeys. Maybe the Queen Mother Champion Chase wasn’t the most competitive race in the world, but these contests always go through phases. It’s the same with the Champion Hurdle, where it’s notoriously hard for three or four top-class hurdlers to hit at one time.

The racecourse seemed full enough, there was a great atmosphere and yet people kept banging on about racing not being in a good place because for the first two days, the Irish kept winning. But that totally changed on Thursday, when Dan Skelton, Paul Nicholls, Ben Pauling and Jeremy Scott all flew the British flag and the success continued into Friday.

Nicky Henderson had a frustrating week, running just 50% of his horses after concerns emerged about his stable’s form. He was in a difficult situation but he made the right decision not to run many of them. Had he been in the mix with his horses running up to scratch and, let’s say for argument’s sake, his red-hot favourites such as Constitution Hill and Sir Gino had won, we’d have been down to the nitty-gritty of British trainers performing very strongly indeed.

Gold Cup glory

Paul Townend created history when he joined Pat Taaffe as a winner of four Gold Cups and there’s a fair chance he’ll win another and break that record. It feels as though he’s often expected to win on Willie Mullins’ horses, but it’s not that easy, so I don’t think he gets the plaudits he deserves.

Ben Jones, Danny Gilligan and John Dawson were some of the first-time Festival winners to catch my eye, and Dan Skelton put his hand up to say he’s more than just an up-and-coming trainer now – he’s a force to be reckoned with at the top level.

An array of different owners and syndicates enjoyed huge success, with some expensive horses justifying their price tag. But while it was a pity €850 (£800) purchase Hewick didn’t run, there were plenty of cheap horses proving you don’t necessarily need a couple of hundred grand to buy a Cheltenham horse.

Even JP McManus, who has invested in and plays a huge part in our industry, bred two Festival winners and that’s a huge feat.

Doom and gloom?

Julie Harrington, CEO of the British Horseracing Authority, was one to throw her opinion on the perceived doom and gloom surrounding the sport, and her solution to redress the Irish-British equilibrium was to throw more money at the top of the sport. But that’s not the right way to fix it.

There is a lot of racing in England, and perhaps we need the majority of it, but if an owner, trainer or a syndicate goes to the races and doesn’t even cover their day’s costs in prize money, then you have a problem.

It annoys me that in showjumping in Ireland, they throw money at the top end, but they put next to nothing into the middle to bottom end of the sport. Everyone is striving to get to the top, but only a small minority succeed.

Showjumping is such a marvellous sport so we all continue to do it, and it’s the same for any equestrian discipline, including racing. But if anyone saw how much work I was doing with our showjumping ponies, all the money it costs and effort behind the scenes, literally for a rosette, they’d say I’d want my head examined!

So if you throw money at the top end of racing, then the bottom end is going to fall under because no matter what walk of life you’re in, the foundations have to be built from the bottom. Everybody knows they’re not going to get rich from racing, but what they’d like is for it not to cost as much.

If you’re putting a lot of money into it, having success yet still getting no return, that’s disheartening and that’s how you will very quickly lose people from the industry.

● Do you agree with Davy’s views on the state of the sport? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 14 March

‘Our thoughts are with his family’: investigations into fatal point-to-point fall to continue to improve safety

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 17:19:29 +0000

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and Point-to-Point Authority (PPA) are investigating the fall yesterday (4 February) in which a 25-year-old rider died.

H&H reported that the horse Keagan Kirkby was riding at Charing, Kent, yesterday ran through the wing of a jump. Mr Kirkby could not be saved despite medics’ best efforts.

The BHA and PPA put out a joint statement today.

“The necessary steps in response to this tragic incident commenced immediately after the race on Sunday and have continued today,” it reads.

“The BHA are visiting the site and will work with the PPA, the racecourse and attending medical teams to ensure that the incident is fully reviewed. All of the relevant bodies will also assist the police and/or environmental health officer with any enquiries they wish to make.”

The statement adds that the medical facilities and teams at Charing racecourse yesterday were fully compliant with required standards; there were two racecourse doctors and three fully equipped ambulances with paramedic crews.

“The medical team attended Mr Kirkby within 30 seconds of his fall,” it reads. “Further support was provided by 999 road and air ambulances. Despite the immediate medical attention the injuries were of such an extent that it was not possible to save Mr Kirkby’s life.

“It is important that, with any incident such as this, we do all that we can to understand what caused it, and whether there is anything we can learn from it. There is a risk attached to racing which can never be entirely removed, but we are committed to ensure that we assess every incident and use any findings to help continually improve our safety record.

“Our thoughts remain with Keagan Kirkby’s family and his many friends and colleagues from within the racing industry and beyond. The Injured Jockeys Fund is coordinating support for the Kirkby family, his places of work and any staff member or participant at the event.”

A spokesman for Racing Welfare said today: “We’re deeply saddened by the news that Keagan Kirby tragically lost his life yesterday at Charing point-to-point.

“Our thoughts are with Keagan’s family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time. Anyone who has been affected can get in touch via our support line: 0800 6300443.”

‘He’s ungovernable’: trainer who bullied his peer and lifted young employee’s top stripped of licence

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 18:44:08 +0000

A racehorse trainer who conducted a “campaign of humiliation and harassment” of a fellow trainer – and who made inappropriate comments to a young female staff member – has been stripped of his licence.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) licensing committee has ruled that Milton Harris was “not a fit and proper person to hold a licence”; his “behaviour over a prolonged period of time fell a long way short of what we expect of a licensed person and, as the committee found, would cause damage to racing’s reputation if allowed to continue without repercussion”.

The BHA has published a lengthy report on the background to, and matters raised at, a hearing that took place from 15 to 18 January.

The report covers a long-running dispute with Simon Earle, Harris’s neighbouring tenant and fellow trainer, referred to as SE in the report, as Harris is referred to as MH. There were disagreements over field space and use of shared gallops, then in July 2020, Harris hosted an event at his yard.

“He alleges that SE had called the BHA to query whether it was permitted under Covid rules,” the panel’s report states. “Certainly, we find that MH believed at the relevant time that SE had reported him to the authorities. We find that he was angry and embarrassed by the event being interrupted and in hot temper. What happened next was covertly recorded by SE. MH approached SE and, saying that SE needed to pay him for the gallops, continued: ‘So, I don’t mind if you tell me to fuck off (SE had said no such thing). I’d be – if you man up to me, I’d be more comfortable, instead of just fucking wishy-washy. If I’m finished with you, I’ll fucking hit you. I’m finished with you.”

The panel listened to the recording, and found that in it, Harris was “very aggressive”.

“He shouts at SE and directs a torrent of invective, belittling and emasculating him,” the report states. “The insults and abuse were focused on SE needing to ‘stand up and be counted’ and to ‘man up to [MH]’. We find that the threat of physical violence was seriously expressed and would have caused a reasonable person to fear for their safety. It did cause SE to fear for his safety.”

That October, there was another incident, recorded by Mr Earle, in which Harris threatened to block off the stable at Mr Earle’s yard, the report states.

“MH sought to minimise this threat in his evidence before us, claiming that it would have been very difficult to carry out in practice (and implying therefore that SE was being over-sensitive). We reject that explanation.

“Again, MH was belittling, and his threats were designed deliberately to have greatest impact on SE, because it would have the effect of cutting him off from operating his own yard.”

Shouting abuse

There was another incident of Harris “shouting abuse” at Mr Earle, after which the BHA sent a written warning to Harris about his conduct to his fellow trainer. But in June 2022, two more incidents were recorded, described in the report as “yet another example of MH humiliating, abusing, insulting, demeaning, and belittling SE”, and “a volley of abuse”.

“Finally, it should be noted that the course of bullying conduct has continued until very recently,” the report states. “An incident took place in November 2023 – after MH had been warned off from contacting witnesses by reason of additional conditions on his licence – when he deliberately drove his car up to SE at his yard. We find that this was done with the intention of causing SE to be intimidated. It was followed up with a ‘wanker’ gesture.

“What is clear to the panel is that the bullying and harassment campaign which MH was orchestrating left SE with few good options in seeking to manage the behaviour of MH or those who felt encouraged or permitted to act the same way by him… It is apparent to us that MH has had a significant adverse impact on SE’s psychological wellbeing, which ought to have been entirely foreseeable to him. We find that MH did not care whether he caused SE harm. On any view the conduct of MH was not a proportionate or justifiable response to the difficulty he was facing with his fellow trainer and neighbour.

“Moreover, the course of conduct has continued because we find that MH has sought to influence others to give false evidence to support him and to continue to seek to portray SE as unreasonable or in the wrong.”

The report then deals with a girl who was aged between 14 and 16 when she worked for Harris, staying in a hostel on his yard.

The panel considered a large number of WhatsApp messages between Harris and the staff member, referred to as SJO, whom he had given the name “Lovely Young Girl”, so “all his messages to her would show by that name”, the report states.

It adds: “He told us that this was simply his first impression of SJO, and it was entirely innocent – he thought that she was ‘a lovely person’ in the platonic sense of her personality. We find this hard to believe given his willingness to enter conversation with sexual connotations with SJO elsewhere in the messages and his tendency to drive the conversation back towards adult topics.”

The report states that Harris messaged SJO at “odd times”, including when she was at school, and that these messages often had “little or nothing to do with work”. It says Harris was “often keen to make personal offers or favours to SJO, such as supper at his house and for SJO to shower at the yard, even when SJO makes it clear that she does not need it because she has other arrangements”.

“MH explained that he saw SJO as needing parental-type support and these offers were meant in a kindly way. It is true that there are occasions when MH does show appropriate concern for SJO, especially given her home situation, but we consider that overall, on an objective basis, the WhatsApp’s demonstrate an expression of power and control by MH over SJO”.

The report says Harris showed a “lack of appropriate boundaries”, made “‘jokes’ that contain sexual innuendoes”

“We should like to make it plain that we do not think that MH’s conduct with SJO was done for reasons of sexual gratification,” the report states. “However, it was nevertheless inappropriate, because, aside from her age, SJO, as MH well knew, had additional vulnerabilities, such as her home situation and MH, whether consciously or otherwise, was utilising this to create a situation where SJO was more dependent upon and beholden to MH. It all had potential to isolate her and expose her to MH’s control.

“In his evidence, MH was taken to some of the passages we have referred to. He maintained that there was nothing inappropriate about the WhatsApp messages or the relationship he was cultivating with SJO more generally. Indeed, he chuckled at some of the ‘banter’ when he re-read the messages. It is clear to us that he does not recognise any problem with the way he behaved towards SJO. We had the impression that if it happened again tomorrow, he would behave in the same way.”

“In addition, we find that he did lift SJO’s top and make a comment about her weight,” the report states. “Again, whilst there was no suggestion that this was done for sexual gratification, it was directly related to SJO’s weight, which he knew would have a direct psychological impact on her because they were both aware that she would need to lose some weight to be a professional jockey and that she would need to work hard to achieve that goal.

“We find that this was MH using shame and humiliation as tools to control SJO and we find this was bullying because it had the effect of humiliating her.”

Inappropriate comments

The panel heard from another witness, who was 12 or 13 when she worked for Harris at weekends and school holidays, and who said he made “inappropriate comments” and made her uncomfortable.

Harris’s “case was presented on the basis that significant changes have taken place with respect to the management of safeguarding issues”, the report states, including a safeguarding policy and action plan. But the panel had concerns about the people named as leading the policy, and “we do not consider that it is likely to change the culture of the yard in practice”.

The panel considered “many character references, several of which were from individuals of considerable personal standing who have known MH over many years and who wrote in glowing terms”.

“We would like it to be understood that we have a full picture of MH in mind,” the report states. “There are many ways in which he has shown positive character traits. Several of the witnesses commented that they saw a paternal element to his relationships with young persons and felt that he had good intentions to allow youngsters with ambitions to participate in racing to fulfil their potential and live their dreams. We have also seen evidence of opportunities which he has given young people, including his extensive charity work, and in arranging for mentoring and work experience with other industry figures, including senior jockeys and highly regarded trainers. Many of the witnesses owe a great deal to MH, having been given opportunities as youngsters when other yards had turned them down.”

The panel found Harris’s actions had cause “considerable harm” to Mr Earle and his wife, and harm to the two young people mentioned. It found Harris had breached conditions of his licence relating to financial matters, and that “we consider that MH is ungovernable, or at least in the regulatory context, not capable of being regulated”.

After the decision, BHA director of integrity and regulatory operations Tim Naylor said: “Some of the details in the licensing committee’s decision make for extremely uncomfortable reading. Mr Harris’s behaviour over a prolonged period of time fell a long way short of what we expect of a licensed person and, as the committee found, would cause damage to racing’s reputation if allowed to continue without repercussion. We are, therefore, pleased with the panel’s finding that Mr Harris is not a fit and proper person to hold a licence.”

It is understood that Harris was “disappointed” by the decision, and that he will issue a statement.

Calls to reopen saunas as jockeys take ‘more risky methods’ to lose weight

Becky Murray — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 18:33:17 +0000

Heated debate over racecourse saunas has erupted amid calls to reopen them resulting from concerns that jockeys are using “inappropriate and risky” weight loss methods.

Saunas in weighing rooms were shut during the pandemic in 2020, and the closures became permanent in what the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) described as a “significant step forward” for jockey wellbeing. A 3lb Covid allowance was brought in when racing resumed after the first lockdown to support jockeys, and in 2022 this was replaced by a general minimum weight increase of 2lb for most race categories (news, 10 February 2022).

In a Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) survey in 2021, 88% of 190 respondents voted for saunas to remain closed, but this month the PJA has asked the BHA to “reconsider its refusal to reopen saunas”.

“The PJA believes that their permanent closure has created physical and mental wellbeing issues for jockeys that far outweigh any perceived risk of dehydration by sauna use,” said a PJA spokesman.

The PJA claims jockeys are “using a range of inappropriate and more risky methods” to make weight including very hot baths, the use of sweat suits while driving, restricting fluid intake for long periods of time, or flipping [induced vomiting].

“In hindsight, the PJA accepts that it should have insisted on cast-iron guarantees from the BHA and others that the Covid weight allowance would remain before accepting the removal of saunas,” said the spokesman.

The PJA added that sauna closures, “with the absence of effective on-course supports to manage weight, has led to jockeys facing far greater risk to their wellbeing” – and that “new accurate research is needed to investigate the regulated use of saunas in the jockeys’ workplace”.

In a statement, the PJA also questioned the relevance of the research undertaken in 2013 involving eight jockeys at Liverpool University, as the study used treadmills or sweat suits to demonstrate a 3% impact upon simulated riding performance, rather than time spent in a sauna. In addition it claims that the research found no statistically significant change in jockeys’ reaction time.

In response, the BHA argued that in calling for the reinstatement of saunas, “the PJA has not only reversed its public position, but also undermined a huge body of work undertaken in a spirit of genuine goodwill”.

“Every decision concerning saunas and weight allowances has been based on expert medical evidence and following extensive engagement with and full support from the PJA. This includes the decision to close saunas permanently,” said a BHA spokesman.

“In making these decisions, the BHA and others are reliant on representative bodies to accurately and consistently reflect the views of their members. For the past year, the BHA with the PJA and others has been working intensively and at pace – taking an evidence-based approach – to develop short- and long-term proposals to support jockeys in managing their weights. At no point in that process were saunas put forward as a credible proposal.”

The BHA spokesman said that it “is simply false” to present the return of saunas as a “quick and easy fix” for jockeys’ weight.

“Not least because that ignores the obvious significant practical and economic challenges posed by such a demand. But more importantly, it ignores all of the medical advice that was considered by the BHA, and PJA, ahead of the decision to remove saunas,” he said, adding that the BHA remains committed to working with the PJA and others to discuss any “reasonable compromises”.

Changes made to whip rules following six-month review

Becky Murray — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 16:25:36 +0000

The new racing whip rules that came into force in Britain this year have been amended following a six-month review – as the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) said it is continuing to see a reduction in the rate of offences.

The review formed part of the “ongoing dialogue” between the BHA, the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) and jockeys, which started before the introduction of the new rules and has resulted in a number of alterations.

The changes focus around the penalties for using the whip above the permitted levels. Under the rules, which were introduced in jump racing on 6 February, and on the Flat on 27 March – both following soft launches prior to these dates – the number of times a whip may be used in a race was reduced to a maximum of seven times in a jump race and six times in a Flat race.

Under the amendments as of 31 July, if a rider has been found to have used the whip once above the permitted level, the minimum penalty may be reduced dependent on the race type and rider’s previous record.

Other changes include the races in which a double penalty for use of the whip above the permitted level will apply. Previously this applied to all class one or two races, but under the new framework it will apply to all class one and some class twos.

Riders will now be referred to the BHA judicial panel for “totting up” of whip offences after four, instead of three, in a six-month period.

If a jockey has exceeded the maximum threshold for whip use by just one use, now they may elect to have the potential breach dealt with on the day by raceday stewards, instead of waiting for the whip review committee (WRC) to meet and assess the ride. In these cases the jockey will waive the right to appeal any decision.

The WRC will now only be able to retrospectively review a ride within a maximum of seven days, except where it involved a potential horse disqualification, which may be considered at any time. When considering whether a rider has breached the rules, the WRC may in “exceptional circumstances” exercise discretion and discount individual uses before the starting line, providing the use was “reasonable, proportionate, and clearly and equivocally for a corrective purpose only”.

Read the amendments in full

WRC chair Sam Angell said the changes reflect an ongoing process to “improve the new whip rules and penalties, while retaining the original objectives, to ensure more judicious use of the whip for encouragement, improve the perceptions of the whip and ensure the outcomes of the races are fair”.

“The BHA remains extremely grateful to the PJA and the senior riders who have engaged so constructively with this process. This dialogue will remain ongoing,” he said.

“We continue to see a reduction in the rate of offences, which is a testament to the measures being taken by the jockeys as they continue to adapt to the new rules, for which they deserve great credit.”

Roly Owers, World Horse Welfare chief executive, told H&H it is “sensible” to keep rules under review to “best ensure they are fit for purpose, especially ones that have been recently implemented”.

“However, the real test for the whip rules is whether they are having an overall impact in significantly reducing the number of rule breaches and it is still too early to assess this,” he said.

“World Horse Welfare still believes that the whip in racing should not be permitted for encouragement, but ultimately it is for racing to justify why this use is in the interest of the horse, and having an effective system to minimise transgression must be at the heart of this.”

The BHA has released six-month data of referrals to the judicial panel and offences since the introduction of the new rules. Out of 37,428 rides there were 425 referrals, of which 360 were found to be breaches. The offence types included 219 above the permitted level, 79 without giving the horse time to respond, 15 above shoulder height and one excessive force. 55% of the offences in the review period were committed by professional jockeys.

“We continue to see a reduction in the rate of offences, which is a testament to the measures being taken by jockeys as they continue to adapt to the new rules, for which they deserve great credit,” said Sam.

A PJA spokesman said the organisation is “pleased” that “extensive negotiations” with the BHA over the past six months have resulted in the penalty reductions and other amendments, “that mean sanctions are now less onerous for jockeys”.

Dale Gibson, PJA interim chief executive, told H&H a “highly respected, talented and knowledgeable group of riders” took part in the review; Flat jockeys Ryan Moore, William Buick, Luke Morris and Richard Kingscote, and National Hunt jockeys Bryan Hughes and Harry Skelton.

“We will continue to work with the BHA to review all aspects of the rules and sanctions, with the plan to meet again in the autumn to discuss any further potential amendments,” he said.

“The process has been time-consuming, however we believe the alterations to be a step in the right direction.”

Racing pledges to review Grand National meeting after three horses die

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 17:02:34 +0000

“Changes must be made” is the message after three horses died during the Grand National meeting, as the authorities pledge to analyse the races in “painstaking detail”.

Hill Sixteen suffered an “unrecoverable injury” in a fall at the first National fence on 15 April. Dark Raven was put down after a fall in the Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle the same day, and Envoye Special suffered a fatal injury in the Foxhunters Chase on 13 April.

Two other horses in the National – Recite A Prayer and Cape Gentleman – were treated on course and taken away by ambulance for further assessment. The start of the National had been delayed as protestors against the race gained access to the course but were dealt with by police, who made 118 arrests.

“Yesterday was a very sad day,” said Roly Owers, chief executive of World Horse Welfare. The charity supports responsible involvement of horses in sport and is an independent welfare advisor to horse sport regulators, including the British Horseracing Authority (BHA).

“From Aintree to television screens across the world, this year’s meet was difficult to watch. The loss of Envoye Special, Dark Raven and Hill Sixteen is heartbreaking and we offer our condolences to their connections, who we know will be devastated.

“While it is true that accidents can happen anywhere – and the risks can never be removed altogether – jump racing poses specific risks that it has a responsibility to relentlessly reduce wherever possible. While in the immediate aftermath of these events it is a time to reflect and review what has happened, it is clear to us that despite the changes made by Aintree and racing to date, much more needs to be done.”

Mr Owers said these events are an “urgent reminder” of the need to bring work on the jump race risk model, set out by racing’s independent Horse Welfare Board to improve equine safety in racing, to the fore.

“The model is a key tool to help inform how to make this and other jump races safer,” he said. “Progress on this key project has not been quick enough and this needs to change now that racing has an agreement in place with the Royal Veterinary College to help take it forward. Overall, the types of questions that need to be considered are the number of runners, how to reduce the number of fallers, how to better manage loose horses and how to better manage the start.

“No one can accept fatalities as a certainty at any race and no one, least of all anyone in racing, wants to see what we witnessed in yesterday’s Grand National.”

On 15 April, the RSPCA said it “urgently” calls on the BHA to “review the circumstances of each of the sad deaths at Aintree, so that we never again exit a ‘festival of racing’ with three dead horses”.

BHA CEO Julie Harrington said the authority’s thoughts are with all connections of the horses who suffered fatal injuries.

“No one will be more affected by this news than the trainers, owners and stable staff who have provided these horses with first-class care and attention throughout their lives,” she said.

“The BHA and Aintree racecourse will now analyse the races in painstaking detail, as is the case every year, to build on our existing data and help us understand what caused these incidents.

“British racing works tirelessly to improve the sport’s safety record and reduce avoidable risk. Every incident is reviewed by the BHA alongside the racecourse and other bodies. As a sport we have for years shown great determination and commitment to improve welfare standards by taking measured scientific, evidence-based, regulatory and education-based steps. It is for this reason that the fatal injury rate in the sport has reduced by over 1/3 in the last 20 years, to 0.2% of runners.”

Ms Harrington added that the BHA respects the rights of everyone to hold views on racing.

“But we robustly condemn the reckless and potentially harmful actions of a handful of people in disrupting the race at a time when horses were in the parade ring,” she said.

“Those involved in British racing are rightly proud of our sport and the role it plays in providing an unparalleled quality of life for horses bred for racing. Love and respect for horses is at the heart of everything we do.

“The Grand National is and always will be an iconic sporting event and the actions of a small number of people will do nothing to diminish its huge and enduring international appeal.”

The BHA says it does “everything possible” to minimise risk in racing, and that the number of horses who suffer fatal injuries on courses has decreased to 0.21%.

Last-minute changes to new whip rules for 2023

Lucy Elder — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 18:39:18 +0000

Planned changes to whip rules for horse racing in Britain have been amended following concerns from jockeys.

Jockeys will now be allowed to continue using the whip in the forehand position and the number of times a jockey is permitted to use a whip in a race will be reduced. Penalties will also be upped “above and beyond previous increases published in November”, under the British Horseracing Authority’s (BHA) revisions.

The remainder of the whip rule changes remain the same and the “soft launch” in jump racing will continue as planned on Monday (9 January), coming fully into force on 6 February. On the Flat, the soft launch starts on 27 February, with full implementation on 27 March.

The main focus of the new rules is for a more considered and judicious use of the whip for encouragement, and improved perception of its use.

Before Christmas, the BHA and chair of the whip consultation steering group reopened discussions about the whip to “address concerns” as new points came to light.

“This change follows additional concerns being raised by jockeys in the last few weeks, including some information which was not aired during the consultation or technical discussion phase,” said the BHA statement today (Wednesday, 4 January), adding that the change follows dialogue between the BHA, Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) and jockeys.

“This included the feedback that some jockeys who have suffered shoulder or collarbone injuries may find use of the whip solely in the backhand more challenging”

It added: “These changes do not, in the view of the BHA board, reflect a dilution of the package of rule changes, but instead a method of achieving the same outcomes through a different approach.”

What are the changes to the racing whip rules?

Changes to the British racing whip rules were confirmed in November and today’s announcement concerns amendments to those.

These fresh amendments remove the change in November which stated that the whip may only be used in the backhand position. It has been replaced by an amendment regarding the number of times a whip may be used in a race. The thresholds will now be reduced to a maximum of six times in a Flat race and seven times in a jump race. This is down from seven and eight times respectively.

Penalties for use above the permitted level, and misuse offences, such as using the whip above shoulder height, without giving the horse time to respond or in the incorrect place have, in most instances, been significantly increased from those agreed in November. For example, using the whip with excessive force will carry a minimum five-day ban (doubled in Class 1 and 2 races), up from the three-day minimum outlined previously.

The full package of measures announced in November included introducing disqualification as a penalty for the most serious breaches, plus a new whip referral committee responsible for “evaluation of all rides and any necessary sanction or action”.

David Jones, regulatory independent non-executive director for the BHA, and chair of the whip consultation steering group, said an “extremely thorough” consultation was carried out in 2021 and 2022. He added that this was followed by “extensive technical discussion” after the recommendations were published in July.

“Efforts were taken to listen to the views of jockeys from both codes, over many hours. This consultation has arguably been the most thorough undertaken by the BHA in relation to any specific regulatory reform,” said Mr Jones.

“To ensure that this process was suitably rigorous we pushed back the planned autumn implementation date for new rules.

“However, we are committed to listening to our participants, and when further views and information come to light very late in the day, and following the conclusion of that process, we were duty bound to consider it, and make representations to the BHA board accordingly.”

BHA chairman Joe Saumarez Smith added that the BHA previously endorsed the “clear set of objectives set out by the whip consultation steering group in the summer”.

“It became clear through the views raised in the last few weeks […] that the backhand-only rule could potentially have caused difficulties for some riders. However, in considering making changes it was essential that the BHA board were not doing anything to dilute the outcome of the whip report,” he said.

“The BHA board has therefore agreed these further changes, which resolve the issues with the backhand-only rule, but retain the objective of making whip use visibly more palatable to the public, therefore helping to safeguard engagement with the sport amongst our fans present and future.”

Mr Saumarez Smith said the BHA “now hopes and expects to see these rules being respected” and “visible change in whip use”.

He added the board also expressed that the sport should try to avoid future situations where pertinent information comes to light after extensive consultations have ended – a point that has been made to the PJA.

“We are pleased that the PJA has agreed to review its consultation processes in the light of this,” he said.

H&H explainer… what is the racing whip and why are the rules changing?

Whips used in racing are foam-padded and energy absorbing, meaning they are cushioned upon impact.

There is only one accredited supplier in British racing, to ensure whips conform to required standards, and whips are checked by the clerk of the scales to ensure they are in good condition before they are used in a race.

The whip in racing is used for safety, correction and encouragement.

Keeping horses straight when travelling at speed is important when it comes to the safety of all horses and riders in a race, and the whip is one of the “tools” in a jockeys kit to do that – alongside their arms, legs, balance and judgement. “Encouragement” means using the whip as an aid to activate and focus the horse. Use of the whip to coerce is not permitted.

Horses are checked by racecourse vets on returning from a race to ensure they have not been marked by the whip.

Rules on using the whip in British racing have been in place for a long time. Mandatory cushioned whips were introduced in jump racing in Britain in 2004, and on the Flat in 2007. These were updated in 2009.

The last major review of whip rules, prior to the 2022 changes, was in 2011. In 2020, the British racing industry’s independent Horse Welfare Board recommended a consultation and review of penalties on whip use. The consultation started in 2021, details of the changes were released in July 2022 and timescales published in November 2022. Tweaks were made to these recommendations in early 2023, ahead of the soft launch in jump racing on 9 January 2023.

For more information on whip use in British racing, visit the British Horseracing Authority’s page explaining its use and regulation in more detail and view the video below of jockey Tom Scudamore and vet Sally Taylor

New whip rules to roll out in early 2023

Lucy Elder — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 15:30:47 +0000

British racing’s new whip rules will come into play with a soft launch in January and will be fully enforceable in jump racing ahead of next year’s Cheltenham Festival.

These include disqualification for the most serious offences (where the whip is used four or more times above the permitted level), backhand use only, increased penalties and development of a whip review committee (news, 21 July).

The introduction of the new rules will be staggered. They will be first introduced in jump racing from 9 January with a four-week “bedding-in” period. This means jockeys will be asked to comply with the new regulations, but will not be subject to the new sanctions for breaking them until 6 February.

On the Flat, the bedding-in process will start on 27 February, with full implementation from 27 March – the start of the week in which the Flat turf season starts.

“While the initial proposals were made following an extensive consultation process, it was important that further, detailed discussions take place with those most affected by the proposals,” said David Jones, British Horseracing Authority (BHA) board member and chairman of the whip consultation steering group

“I am pleased, therefore, that sensible adjustments have been made where necessary, while the overall package of measures has been approved and will now go forward to implementation.

“This whole process, from start to finish, has always been about listening to the views of all our audiences and making decisions which best preserve the perception of our sport and the welfare of our horses, while also recognising the role that the padded whip plays in safe and fair race riding.”

The BHA’s reasoning behind the staggered approach is to make allowance for the number of Flat jockeys riding abroad over the winter. And it will also allow the implementation to be assessed in National Hunt before it is rolled out on the Flat ahead of the turf season.

The 20 revised whip rules and penalties were initially proposed by a whip consultation steering group, made up of people from across the industry including jockeys and trainers. These were approved by the BHA board in the summer, following consultation.

They then went through a round of technical discussions, resulting in a couple of adjustments.

It’s been clarified that Flat jockeys will be allowed to use the jump version of the whip, following concerns raised by some jockeys over using the whip in the backhand-only position and the risk of landing in the wrong place. Riders in Flat races will be allowed to use the jump version of the whip, which has a longer padded section, should they wish.

Decisions on disqualifications for whip offences will now be made by the whip review committee, away from the raceday, and will therefore not affect the outcome of a race for betting purposes. This follows concerns voiced by betting operators regarding the impact of potential disqualification of runners on raceday.

It is expected that the review committee will meet once a week to consider sanctions from all races, most likely on a Tuesday.

“We are extremely grateful for the engagement and feedback we have received through the period of technical discussions. The discussions were full and frank, hence the time they have taken to conclude,” said Brant Dunshea, BHA chief regulatory officer.

“The discussions quickly established that there was overall support for the vast majority of the recommendations. However, as expected there were some areas of concern raised. We have listened to the feedback we received and made adjustments to the initial proposals accordingly.

“We recognise that some of the new rules are going to take some time to get used to for some jockeys, which is why we have factored in time for communication and education as well as a bedding-in period before the rules and penalties are implemented in full.”

‘We’re trying to make sure everyone’s protected’: experts working on equine flu vaccination shortage

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 17:30:24 +0000

Owners have been urged not to panic, nor change their practices, as experts monitor the potential impact of a shortage of equine flu vaccinations.

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA), British Equestrian (BEF) and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) are working together on the issue. The organisations had been aware of “minor interruptions to the supply” of the vaccines this year, but a “significant, pan-European logistical problem being experienced by [manufacturer] Boehringer Ingelheim has raised the prospect of a further reduction in supplies in the coming months”.

David Rendle, chair of BEVA’s health and medicines committee, told H&H there are so many variables around supply, and what manufacturers can do – it takes about six months from starting the process to get vaccine to the vets – it is difficult to make solid predictions on when supplies will return to normal.

“But everyone is working on it,” he said. “There had been low-grade supply issues throughout this year but as a result of a recent issue, Boehringer Ingelheim hasn’t been able to supply any vaccines to the wholesalers since June or July. It was expected they’d come back in stock about now, which would have been fine, but now it’s clear they can’t rectify the issue and won’t be able to supply the market until the end of October.”

Mr Rendle said the key message is that owners should not panic, nor try to arrange vaccinations early.

“Please don’t think ‘I’d better get mine done now’,” he said. “Please be responsible and consider the bigger picture. Practices and wholesalers will still have stock but there will be less influenza vaccine available, and it’s about planning now and looking at maintaining protection for everyone.”

He added that older horses, who have good immunity built up from previous jabs, will be at less risk than young horses that have not had any vaccines, who need to be prioritised to ensure they get the primary courses.

“Vets will be risk-assessing,” Mr Rendle said.

“For example, although there is compelling scientific evidence for the increased protection that comes from six-monthly vaccination as required for some competition, it may be that if people aren’t mixing those horses and aren’t competing, they could postpone the six-monthly booster as their horses are at less risk than those who need to start their courses or have an annual booster”.

“This is clearly a very difficult situation as these vaccinations are so important in preventing disease outbreaks,but it’s about working together and being responsible to maximise the protection for everyone in difficult circumstances,” Mr Rendle said.

“I am sure horse owners will understand that vets are in a very difficult situation that is not of their making and will be supportive of the difficult decisions vets may have to make if there is further disruption of vaccine supply.”

Marc Laemmer, equine business head at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, said: “We are currently experiencing a European-wide supply issue relating to our equine influenza and influenza-tetanus vaccines. This has been caused by unexpected issues following the implementation of a technology upgrade and is not a product or quality issue. This means that some vet practices will have difficulty obtaining sufficient influenza vaccines and there may be a shortage in the UK market. We understand the importance of these vaccines to equine welfare, and we are continuing to work tirelessly to find a solution so that we can return to normal supply as soon as possible.”

BEF CEO Jim Eyre added: “A meeting of our equine infectious disease advisory group has been held and we will work with member bodies to monitor the situation carefully. If it becomes necessary, we will collectively work to devise practical solutions for dealing with any supply difficulties.”

Amanda Melvin, equine business manager at MSD Animal Health, said: “Based on prior demand, MSD’s equine vaccines Equilis Prequenza and Equilis Prequenza Te are in full supply. MSD has taken steps to protect as many horses as possible at this time. We will continue to supply existing customers with the available MSD stock on ‘allocation’ and, where possible, to allocate stock to additional customers. Allocations are being made to our veterinary customers based on their historical demand which we believe is the most efficient way to manage the available supplies.”

Rebecca Cabrejas, equine business unit manager at Zoetis, said: “Demand for our vaccines currently exceeds what we can supply. Whilst we have adequate stocks to fulfil current customers’ orders unfortunately, we are not in a position to be able to supply new customers at this time. We will continue to work with BEVA to limit the impact of the current shortages.”

James Given, director of equine health and welfare for the BHA, said the BHA is monitoring the situation and will issue updates “in due course”.

Sir Mark Todd disciplinary hearing: outcome reached

Becky Murray — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 16:25:57 +0000

Sir Mark Todd has been suspended for four months in a British Horseracing Authority (BHA) disciplinary hearing – but may resume training immediately.

Today (14 April) the BHA licensing committee met to consider Mark’s interim suspension. A private directions hearing, which sets out the parameters of the disciplinary panel hearing, also took place. A BHA spokesman said during the course of today’s hearings, “it became clear that there was common ground” between the two parties and an “agreed basis of plea” was put before the panel and “they agreed that it was suitable”.

On 16 February Mark was given an interim suspension awaiting a hearing to consider whether he had breached a rule by engaging in “conduct prejudicial to the good reputation of horseracing” by striking a horse with a tree branch on 29 August 2020.

As Mark “accepted” being in breach of the rule, he was given a four-month suspension, with two months of that deferred for two months.

Following the hearing Mark told H&H he was “really looking forward to putting this all behind him”.

“It’s been a very tough two months, particularly on my family and myself. I would also like to express huge thanks to my family and my staff, and especially the owners who have supported me and stayed with me through all this, and also to the many people who have sent messages and letters of support throughout the period,” he said.

“I am looking forward to doing what I enjoy doing best, caring for horses and getting out there and winning more races.”

The BHA spokesman said the licensing committee agreed with the immediate return of Sir Mark’s licence “due in large part to the fact that the BHA was satisfied that this case posed no ongoing equine welfare concerns.”

“An inspection of his yard on February 17 found his training facilities to be well maintained and horses in good condition,” said the spokesman.

Brian Barker, who chaired the disciplinary panel, said in the view of the panel the actions of Sir Mark “could not be condoned in any form”.

“His prominence and achievement have set a high bar of behaviour. We note the original and immediate apology, which included that Sir Mark was ‘very disappointed in himself’,” said Mr Barker.

“The entry penalty for a breach of Rule (J)19 is a fine of £2,000 or suspension/withdrawal/disqualification for a period of three months – the range is a fine of £1,000 to £15,000 or suspension/withdrawal/disqualification of one month to three years.

“Bearing all that in mind, the panel decided that Sir Mark should be sentenced in this way; the appropriate sentence is one of four months suspension, with two months of that deferred for two months. That means that the eight weeks he has already served is sufficient and Sir Mark is able to operate under his licence immediately. Further, provided that there are no transgressions in the next two months, until 14 June, then that deferment will disappear.”

The BHA spokesman said: “We are grateful to the disciplinary panel for their time in considering this case and acknowledge the penalty handed down this afternoon. As Sir Mark has himself recognised in public statements since the video emerged and in accepting that he was in breach of rule (J)19, his behaviour on this occasion fell short of the standard expected of all licensed individuals and ran contrary to the values of care and respect for the horse that underpin British racing.”

In February Mark “wholeheartedly” apologised for his actions and stepped down from his role as World Horse Welfare patron.

“One of the main things I preach is about establishing a mutual respect between horse and rider and that patience and kindness is the best way to get results,” he said at the time. “I believe this is one of the main attributes along with a great empathy with animals that has enabled me to have a long and successful career in eventing. I am very disappointed in myself that I did not adhere to that in this case

The BHA spokesman said written reasons will follow in due course.

Jockey’s ‘reprehensible and disgraceful’ behaviour condemned while ban for bullying significantly reduced

Lucy Elder — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 17:33:01 +0000

Robbie Dunne had his ban for bullying and harassing fellow jockey Bryony Frost reduced by eight months in an appeal before the British Horseracing Authority’s (BHA) independent appeal board today (Wednesday, 30 March).

Mr Dunne (pictured, top) was appealing the findings and 18-month suspension given following his six-day hearing before the BHA’s independent disciplinary panel in 2021. At that hearing, he was found in breach of four counts of BHA Rules regarding integrity, proper conduct and good reputation of British racing, for bullying and harassing Miss Frost over a six-month period in 2020, including threatening Miss Frost by promising to “put her through a wing [of a fence]”. He was also accused of using misogynistic language such as “f****** w***e”, “f****** s**t” and “dangerous ****”.

Anthony Boswood, chairman of the today’s appeal board panel, condemned Mr Dunne’s “reprehensible and disgraceful” behaviour, but said the original penalties were “very severe” and that the disciplinary panel gave “insufficient credit” to mitigating factors.

“We wish to make it clear that Mr Dunne’s behaviour was thoroughly reprehensible and disgraceful,” he said. “Any jockey behaving like that in future must expect serious punishment.”

He added that the panel thought the sanctions given at the original hearing were “very severe”, at six times the entry point for one of the other rules he was charged under, “given the number of rides Mr Dunne will have lost to date and will lose in future at this late stage in his career”.

The mitigating factors Mr Boswood referred to included Mr Dunne’s attempted apology after the incident at Stratford, and his willingness to participate in a “banging of heads”, facilitated by Richard Johnson after discussions with Miss Frost’s father, Jimmy Frost.

Mr Boswood said Miss Frost had not accepted Mr Dunne’s apology and did not want to take part in the “banging of heads” – a decision she was “fully entitled to take”.

Mr Dunne was given an 18-month ban, with three months suspended, at the original hearing from 30 November to 9 December 2021.

The panel today (30 March) dismissed the appeal, while at the same time lessening Mr Dunne’s ban to 10 months. The ban will now run until 9 October 2022.

The appeal board panel also adjusted the four breaches of rule J19 – conduct prejudicial to integrity, proper conduct or good reputation of racing in Britain – to one overarching breach, covering all offences.

Mr Boswood gave the brief summary at the appeal hearing and said that full written reasons for the decision will follow in due course.

‘Language unacceptable under any circumstances’

The appeal ruling hinged strongly on mitigation, but the hearing itself covered far more.

Robin Mathew QC, who headed Mr Dunne’s defence, said the disciplinary panel had reached an “unfair and unjust decision” in December and that the “straining and winnowing of the evidence should have been much better than it was”.

He argued that insufficient weight had been given to evidence from other members of the weighing room. He said that if there had been a “pernicious undertaking” of one person against another, someone would have stepped in, and that the panel also “divorced” evidence from its context.

Mr Mathew said words and turns of phrase, such as “murder you”, have a different meaning in the weighing room. For J19 to apply, he said, their usage would need to be “genuinely perceived by the knowledgeable bystander as not being mere bluster and unpleasantness” but that they were “genuinely violent and meaningful in the context they were uttered”. He argued that those in the weighing room had the required knowledge to be aware that the latter was not the case.

Mathew also suggested Miss Frost was someone who was “moved to emotion quite quickly” and that “most people” would have “let go” Mr Dunne’s “silly” tweet about her interview style around the time of the virtual Grand National, but that she was “in a mood not to”.

Louis Weston, representing the BHA, fired back at the inference Miss Frost was in some way “to blame”, and the reference to Miss Frost being “quickly moved to emotion”. He described the suggestions as “outrageous” – a word Mr Boswood asked him to avoid using, settling on “unacceptable” instead.

“It is not for the bully to determine how the bullied should react,” said Mr Weston.

Mr Boswood also questioned whether it is really possible to differentiate between different types of bad language, to which Mr Weston replied that certain words such as misogynistic slurs against a woman are “simply unacceptable”.

“There is not a single workplace in this country where you can use that language to a woman and stay in your job,,” he said.

“There are some terms – racist language, gender-based slurs, sexually based slurs – that are simply unacceptable under any circumstances, however angry you are.”

He added that you “cannot have” a sport where someone is “threatening to cause serious injury” to another; nor is it acceptable for someone to be hiding in a room to avoid someone, as Miss Frost did, because of intimidation and bullying.

“These remarks led Bryony Frost, who is a professional athlete, to be reduced to tears and fearful of turning up to her own workplace,” he said, rebutting Mathew’s description of events as a “spat”.

“You cannot have, in the modern day, a sport in which one person is threatening to cause serious injury to another.

“What takes this well beyond [a spat] is it is sustained, deliberate, threatening of real harm and the language use is completely, objectively offensive.”

‘Complex and emotive case’

A BHA statement following the hearing said that it acknowledges the appeal board’s decision to amend the penalty and awaits the full reasons.

“This reduction in penalty in no way diminishes the recognition of the severity of the allegations that were brought against Mr Dunne. Indeed, it continues to send a clear message that conduct of this nature cannot be tolerated in any working environment within our sport,” it said.

“Following the original decision last year, the BHA released a statement which outlines our commitment to improving workplace standards, conduct and wellbeing. Work is continuing with industry colleagues to finalise the industry code of conduct, with a view to it going before the BHA board in the first half of the year.

“A cross-industry working party has also been formed to look at ways of improving education and awareness around the standards of conducted expected across the sport.

“Once again, we recognise that this has been a challenging period for all involved in this complex and emotive case, and we ask that the privacy and wellbeing of both parties is respected as they continue to receive the support of the appropriate bodies and those close to them.

“We now await the appeal board’s written reasons before we can comment on any of the technicalities around their findings or any other matters associated with the hearing.”

Sir Mark Todd: update on disciplinary hearing

Becky Murray — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 15:54:31 +0000

Sir Mark Todd’s British Horseracing Authority (BHA) disciplinary hearing has been adjourned owing to “legal issues”.

The independent disciplinary panel of the BHA met today (24 March) to consider whether Mark breached a rule by engaging in “conduct prejudicial to the good reputation of horseracing” by striking a horse multiple times with a tree branch on 29 August 2020.

But panel chairman James O’Mahony adjourned the case stating “legal issues” had arisen that required “careful consideration”. A new hearing date has not been announced.

On 16 February the BHA confirmed the interim suspension of Mark following video footage shared online, which is said to have been recorded during a clinic in 2020.

Mark “wholeheartedly” apologised for his actions and stepped down from his role as World Horse Welfare patron.

“One of the main things I preach is about establishing a mutual respect between horse and rider and that patience and kindness is the best way to get results,” he said.

“I believe this is one of the main attributes along with a great empathy with animals that has enabled me to have a long and successful career in eventing.

“I am very disappointed in myself that I did not adhere to that in this case.”

The BHA interim suspension means Mark cannot race horses in Great Britain or internationally while the investigations continue.

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Mark Todd Feature Shoot with his horse Jack (grey) and his son James - Badgerstown, Wiltshire, United Kingom - 09 November 2012 (Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)

Interim racing suspension for Mark Todd as viral footage is investigated

Mark Todd Feature Shoot with his horse Jack (grey) and his son James - Badgerstown, Wiltshire, United Kingom - 09 November 2012 (Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)

Mark Todd apologises for hitting horse with a branch in viral video: ‘I am very disappointed in myself’

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

This week’s Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 17 March, contains our dressage special, which includes a feature hon ow riders with dyslexia cope in the sport, why relaxation is crucial for success in dressage – and how to achieve it – and more. We also have an interview with Andrew Nicholson to find out how stepping back from the top level is suiting the New Zealander, while in Vet Clinic we find out more about the causes, treatment and prognoses in cases of suspensory desmitis. In addition, we bring you action from the world of showjumping, dressage, racing and point-to-pointing, plus there’s a range of hunting features to enjoy.

Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

‘Every pound makes a difference’: changes to jockeys’ minimum racing weights confirmed

Becky Murray — Sat, 12 Mar 2022 12:03:13 +0000

An increase to minimum jockey weights in racing will go ahead as planned – with the addition of an increase in the body protector allowance.

H&H has reported that the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) had announced an increase of 2lb for most race categories at the start of the Flat and jumps seasons (news, 10 February). This was to replace the 3lb Covid allowance, brought in when racing resumed after the first lockdown to support jockeys when saunas were closed.

The move was met with concerns from jockeys that the change could be detrimental to their mental health and wellbeing, with fears some jockeys would struggle to make the weight – and could take extreme measures to do so. Following this, the BHA entered into discussions with a number of jockeys, the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) and the National Trainers Federation (NTF) on the matter.

On 7 March, the BHA confirmed the Covid allowance would be replaced with an across-the-board 2lb rise, but in addition, the 3lb back protector allowance would increase to 4lb – meaning horses will continue to carry the same weights since the Covid allowance was introduced.

The BHA said the weights published in racecards will increase by 2lb, “providing the public with more accurate information about the weights being carried by the horses”.

BHA chief operating officer Richard Wayman said the discussions had allowed the BHA to consider the concerns raised, which had not featured as part of the initial consultation.

“During these discussions, riders have stressed the psychological benefits that the Covid allowance provided in terms of allowing them to manage the natural fluctuations in their body weight day to day. Many have stated retaining at least some of this flexibility is as important for their wellbeing as any rise in the weights,” he said.

“The welfare of our riders is very much a key priority, and we will continue to work with the PJA and its members to support the wellbeing of jockeys. Upgrades to weighing rooms as part of a long-term programme of improvement to modernise facilities across British racecourses have already been announced and the issue of race weights will remain under regular review.”

Flat jockey Ross Coakley told H&H the additional 1lb for the safety allowance felt like a “compromise”.

“From a rider’s point of view when you’re working on such fine margins, every pound makes a substantial difference,” he said, but added it was a complicated topic.

PJA national hunt president and jump jockey David Bass said he would have preferred to keep the full [Covid] allowance, owing to the “positive impact” on jockeys’ wellbeing, but said he was pleased that part of the allowance would remain.

An NTF spokesman said any discussion about the replacement of the Covid allowance was going to be “difficult”.

“While we are of the view that some reflection is needed on the issues that caused the consultation process to fail in the first instance, despite seemingly being fully adhered to, we are accepting of the outcome reached,” he said.

‘Immense benefit to horses, riders and the sport’: equine vision study leads to widespread fence colour changes

Lucy Elder — Sat, 26 Feb 2022 11:50:41 +0000

Obstacle markings will be changed from orange to white at all British racecourses and point-to-point tracks by the end of next season.

The decision is based on improving safety in National Hunt racing and follows research carried out by Exeter University into equine vision.

It found that changing the wood and vinyl padding of take-off boards, guard rails and top boards to white provided increased contrast and visibility for horses, leading to improved jumping performance. Fluorescent yellow had a similar effect, but the colour faded rapidly in tests.

Leading British eventing course-designer Mike Etherington-Smith, who is equine safety advisor to British racing’s Horse Welfare Board, has led the push forward in this project, working alongside trainers, jockeys and racecourse representatives.

The nationwide roll-out was given the green light in November 2021 and the Horserace Betting Levy Board confirmed funding in January 2022.

“This important project is an example of how British racing uses advanced scientific and veterinary research to constantly improve racehorse welfare,” said Horse Welfare Board chairman Barry Johnson.

“Looking through the eyes of the horse to understand how they perceive their world, and making changes because of this new knowledge, shows how racing is continuously striving to increase the safety of all participants in our sport, both human and equine.”

What a human sees (left) and what a horse sees (right) at a fence with orange markers. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

All 40 jump courses in Britain will change take-off markers, guard rails and top boards on their hurdles and fences from orange to white by December. Point-to-point courses will follow for the 2022/23 season.

The initial study, which took place in 2017 and 2018, was commissioned by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), backed by the Racing Foundation. The “orange to white” project was progressed the following year but was put on hold due to the onset of the pandemic.

The research involved analysing 131 obstacles at 11 racecourses using cutting-edge camera equipment, to determine which colours would be most visible to a horse. Once identified, behavioural responses were then tested with 14 horses from Richard Phillips’ training yard in Gloucestershire.

“Having been involved in the research undertaken by Exeter University and having used white obstacles for over three years now, I am convinced that changing the colour of jumps will be of immense benefit to horses, riders and the sport as a whole,” said Richard.

Horses see colour differently to humans, as they have reduced dichromatic colour vision, so mainly see hues we would consider blue and yellow. This also means they are unable to tell apart shades of red, green and orange.

“The project is an example of how scientific research can lead to positive changes in human society and our interactions with animals and I’m delighted that the research we undertook has led to changes in the sport,” said Professor Martin Stevens, chairman of sensory and evolutionary ecology for the University of Exeter.

The new white obstacles will make their debut at Stratford on 14 March, followed by Hexham (17 March) and Newton Abbot (25 March) as part of the phased roll-out. They are already being introduced at racing’s main schooling grounds and will be in use throughout the summer jumping season.

“We are determined to drive constant improvement and to make reasoned, well-researched and evidence-based changes which further reduce risk in the sport on a long-term basis and which help to improve safety factors for our horses,” said James Given, director of equine health and welfare for the BHA and member of the Horse Welfare Board.

Caroline Davies, racecourse services director at the Racecourse Association and the racecourse representative on the Horse Welfare Board, added: “I am pleased to see the roll-out of the orange to white initiative take place across Britain’s racecourses, adding a further layer of care for our horses.

“This is an important step for British racing, underpinned by a plethora of research. The number of obstacles that racecourses will be changing is significant and is testament to the sport’s commitment to making continual improvements for all our participants.

“I am grateful for the widespread support of racing’s stakeholders and our funders to enable it to happen.”

‘I can’t undo the past’: champion jockey Oisin Murphy banned from race riding until 2023

Lucy Elder — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 18:35:24 +0000

Three-time champion jockey Oisin Murphy has been banned from reapplying for his riding licence for 14 months after admitting all charges brought by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) at an independent disciplinary panel hearing today (22 February).

The hearing, which included testimony from Oisin himself, painted a picture of a young man struggling with alcohol, who found himself trapped in a web of lies.

The charges, which he did not dispute, included breaching Covid restrictions, by failing to self-isolate on returning from a holiday in Mykonos in September 2020, and repeatedly lying about where he had been. He also admitted two alcohol offences, relating to Chester in May 2021 and Newmarket in October 2021, after which he realised he needed to change his ways.

In total, Oisin was fined £31,111 and will be ineligible to reapply for his licence for 14 months, backdated to 8 December 2021, when he voluntarily surrendered his licence to focus on rehabilitation. This means he cannot reapply to ride in races until 16 February 2023.

“However affected by addiction you may have been, we conclude that you thought you were above the rules and the law,” said independent disciplinary panel chairman James O’Mahony.

“However high you are, you are not above them, they apply to all.”

Mr O’Mahony said Oisin is clearly a “brilliant jockey and superb horseman”, and that the panel was “not here to criticise you for the sake of it”, but to explain its reasons and apply the rules.

He added that abiding by the 14-day self-isolation rules was “all you had to do, as countless others had to”.

“But you embarked on a deception. It was planned carefully, calculated and detailed, and prolonged for a significant period of time,” he said, adding that Oisin “embroidered” and “reinforced the lie” with details in the media, even giving the BHA names of others who would support his story.

“You had time to think ‘what am I doing’?” Mr O’Mahony said. “You only put your hands up when you had your back against the wall.”

He added: “This conduct, I’m sorry to say, was unworthy of a sportsman and previous champion. And you, as you have acknowledged, have let down your mates, your colleagues, the racing public and the sport. You were prepared to take risks with the health of others.”

Mr O’Mahony said the panel took into account Oisin’s testimony about his addiction, which they accept as “candid and frank”, wishing him well on his road to rehabilitation.

The sentence was in effect split in two main parts, with the heaviest sanctions for the three Covid-related charges. For each of these, he was given effectively an 11-month ban on reapplying for his licence, to run concurrently, as well as a £31,111 on the charge of acting in a manner prejudicial to the proper integrity, conduct and good reputation of the sport.

Oisin was also given a 10- and a 90-day ban on reapplying for his licence for the alcohol charges. These will run consecutively to the Covid sanctions, which bring the total period of ineligibility to 14 months.

As Oisin has already handed in his licence, the panel could not technically “suspend him”, so they instead served him with this period of ineligibility, before he can apply for a licence again.

What happened?

It was a lie, fuelled by “very bad” decisions from a young man struggling with alcohol dependency, that went too far, was the picture painted during the hearing.

When Oisin set out for Mykonos on 9 September 2020, just a few people knew where he was really going. The Greek island was on the list of places travellers were required to self-isolate from for 14 days on their return.

But Oisin pretended that he was instead on holiday at Lake Como, in Italy, which had no self-isolation requirements on returning to the UK.

Charlotte Davison, acting for the BHA, told the hearing Oisin had “unequivocally denied” being to the Greek islands when asked by the BHA at the time, instead claiming that he had travelled to Lake Como.

The hearing was told Oisin had maintained in the media that he had been on holiday at Lake Como, going as far in his Sporting Life blog to mention the “Italian bulge” from the good food he was eating.

But research by the BHA found photos on his Instagram were geographically tagged at Mykonos Island. A video of Oisin swimming in a rooftop pool, where someone could be heard shouting “Oisin”, was shared on Twitter, where a person had questioned whether he was in Italy or Mykonos.

The BHA called him on 17 September, when he denied travelling to Mykonos – a lie he maintained until 25 May the following year. The panel heard that Oisin “did not recall” speaking with someone from the BHA, but accepts that it must have happened.

At one point during the BHA’s investigation, Oisin was said to go as far as telling BHA that he would “love to go to Mykonos, but I’ve never been there”.

Ms Davison said he told the BHA that he could not explain the location tag on his Instagram photos, which was later removed, and that people he had travelled with would confirm his location.

On 5 May, he was asked to provide his travel documents from 7 to 13 September, bank and credit card statements, accommodation details and photos within his control. On 25 May, he admitted in a letter to the BHA that he had travelled to Mykonos and not to Lake Como along with an “unreserved apology” and acknowledged he should have told the truth.

He added that he knew when he “stepped foot” on the plane that he was going to be telling some people that he wasn’t going there.

“I got back from Mykonos having lied to anyone who had asked where I had been,” he said, adding he felt like he “had to keep up the lie” and that “all these lies could be contained”.

He put it down to having a “jockey’s mindset” and convinced himself that as he felt well and had moved in a small circle during his holiday, that he wasn’t putting anyone at risk. He rode out, completed the BHA Covid questionnaire inaccurately on four occasions and won 11 races during the 14-day period he should have been self-isolating. His winning margin in that year’s Flat Jockeys Championship title was eight races.

“From outside perhaps to some, being Mr Murphy looks like a life one might envy. But there has been a cost to that success,” said Rory Mac Neice, representing the jockey.

“This is an individual who, over a number of years, had a growing, continuing difficulty with his relationship with alcohol that was causing him to make bad decisions.”

Oisin openly addressed the panel, speaking frankly about the pressure he places upon himself and how he used alcohol as a coping mechanism for both the highs and the lows.

“I dealt with both the same. The success by drinking and the lack-of-success by drinking and that is the rock I perished on, really,” he said.

The emotion caught in his voice during his testimony, recalling how he had had the right support around him, but had not been able to see it. He summarised how, as a young teenager starting out, he had listened to advice and had stayed away from the pub, did not party and his success in the saddle grew rapidly.

As his career progressed, so too did the socialising. He described how on occasions over the years he had stopped or significantly reduced his drinking. But in recent years, commitments and dinners with connections increased, his social circle expanded and alcohol was always around. With the added pressure he put on himself to succeed, the feeling the jockey’s title championship was “slipping away”, the Mykonos situation and the impact of dealing with the cocaine contamination case in France – Oisin has always, and continues to, deny ever having taken cocaine – he relied increasingly on alcohol.

The hearing heard the night before he tested above the threshold at Chester, he had a glass of wine at dinner and another that night to help him sleep, but felt fine the following day.

He recalled that the Sunday after the Goodwood Festival, he realised he had blacked out each night of the meeting. The “line in the sand” came on the morning of his failed breath test at Newmarket on 8 October, where he was stood down before riding.

“My friends started telling me stories, some of it untrue, some of it true, [about the night before] all of a sudden the panic set in,” he said.

He wrote to all the trainers he should have been riding for that day to apologise and has not drunk since. He is also receiving ongoing support.

“I never drank in the morning on the way [to the races], but in the evening I could be capable of drinking one glass of wine or 10 and not knowing what I had done,” he said. “I should have realised earlier, the writing was on the wall.

“I convinced myself that I didn’t have a drinking problem because I didn’t get out of bed in the morning and have a drink.

“I can’t undo the past. That initial lie led to countless lies and deceits.

“Now I’m sober, I’m a different person. I don’t think I would have made those errors. I can’t go back in time and I’m afraid they are grave issues, grave errors.

“I admit all the breaches. I just wish I could have dealt with them better at the time.”

‘BHA will offer any support’

A BHA statement, released after the hearing, condemned Oisin’s rule breaches, while also offering “any support” he requests moving forward.

“Mr Murphy’s breaches of the Rules were extremely serious, reckless and potentially incredibly damaging for the sport. They risked endangering his fellow jockeys and racing industry participants,” said the BHA statement.

“The BHA is proud of the way the industry adapted to the challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and how racing was able to restart quickly and successfully behind closed doors. Mr Murphy’s actions put this at risk. They also occurred at a time when so many people were making great sacrifices to follow the rules and protocols set out by the British Governments and the racing industry.

“Mr Murphy also acted with pre-meditation to deceive the racing industry and public regarding his whereabouts, as well as BHA investigators.”

The statement added: “In their summing up, the independent Panel stated that Mr Murphy’s conduct was unworthy of a sportsman and previous champion, and he had let down his colleagues and the sport.

“We would, however, also acknowledge that Mr Murphy later made full, public admissions regarding these offences, and did not seek to contest the rule breaches at today’s hearing. He also gave full and frank admissions regarding his personal battles.

“All of these matters were considered by the independent Panel in their decisions regarding a penalty for Mr Murphy.

“While it is important that this penalty is served and Mr Murphy’s offences are seen to be acted upon, we would also call on everyone in the sport to respect the admissions that he has made about his physical and mental wellbeing and his need for rehabilitation. The BHA will offer any support that Mr Murphy requests in this ongoing process.

“As with many elite sportspeople, the pressures on jockeys can be significant. We would urge anyone in the racing industry who has suffered from any of the issues outlined by Mr Murphy in the hearing, or who knows of anyone who is struggling, to contact the various support structures that are in place in British racing.

“These include Racing Welfare, representative bodies such as the PJA [Professional Jockeys Association], NTF [National Trainers Federation] and NARS [National Association of Racing Staff], the sport’s anonymous RaceWISE reporting line, or the BHA.”

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Oisin Murphy, the Irish flat race jockey who is about to be crowned Champion Jockey for the season, poses for a portrait on the Warren Hill gallops in Newmarket on October 8th 2019 in Suffolk (Photo by Tom Jenkins) (Image credit: Getty Images)

‘Many kind people have stood by me’: champion jockey Oisin Murphy hands in licence to focus on rehab

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Interim racing suspension for Mark Todd as viral footage is investigated

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 16:08:42 +0000

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has confirmed the interim suspension of Sir Mark Todd, in relation to footage circulating online.

The chair of the British racing Independent Judicial Panel today (16 February) has approved a BHA application for an interim suspension of Mark’s training licence, “following the emergence over the weekend of a video showing him striking a horse with what appears to be a branch”.

The suspension means Mark will be unable to race, in Britain or abroad, while investigations into the incident continue.

“The trainer has admitted the individual involved in the video was him, has apologised for his actions and agreed to the imposition of an interim suspension,” a BHA statement said.

“On Sunday [13 February] the BHA condemned the video and confirmed that it was looking into the incident. The BHA will provide further updates as necessary in due course, though will not be able to comment on the detail of the investigation itself until it is concluded.

“The interim suspension has been approved on the basis that it can be reviewed at a later date if necessary, on application by either party.”

The FEI is among the organisations that have commented on the video, which is said to have been recorded in a training clinic in 2020, a year after Mark’s second retirement from eventing.

“The FEI is disappointed and alarmed by the images in the video,” a spokesman said.

“This is not acceptable behaviour and it goes against everything we stand for and the values we encourage and expect from all horsemen and horsewomen.

“Every individual in the equestrian community has a responsibility and a duty to safeguard and protect the horses in their care and embrace a zero-tolerance attitude when it comes to any form of equine abuse and mistreatment. Any violation of that important responsibility cannot be overlooked or condoned, and the FEI will investigate whenever sporting and training methods are in clear disregard of the health and welfare of our most valued partner, the horse.

“The foundations of our sport rest on our partnership with the horse, and it is up to all equestrians to uphold and respect this core principle in the pursuit of sport and leisure riding.”

Double Olympic eventing champion turned racehorse trainer Mark said in a statement: “I wholeheartedly apologise to the horse and all involved for my actions in this video clip.

“One of the main things I preach is about establishing a mutual respect between horse and rider and that patience and kindness is the best way to get results.

“I believe this is one of the main attributes along with a great empathy with animals that has enabled me to have a long and successful career in eventing.

“I am very disappointed in myself that I did not adhere to that in this case.”

Mark Todd steps down as World Horse Welfare patron after viral video

Becky Murray — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 18:33:21 +0000

Double Olympic eventing champion Mark Todd has stepped down as patron of World Horse Welfare after a video circulated of him hitting a horse with a tree branch. The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) says it is “looking into” the footage.

Last week a rider posted a clip on TikTok under the name chloet.eventing, which is said to have been recorded during a clinic in 2020. She later posted a longer video on Instagram. The footage showed the horse refusing to jump a step down into water and Mark Todd hitting it several times with a branch. He also gave verbal encouragement to the horse, and instructions to the rider.

A longer video shared on YouTube shows the horse twice trotting into the water down a slope and out up a small step, then hesitating before jumping off the small step into the water as Mark gives instruction and waves the branch behind the horse. It then shows the horse jumping off the small step more confidently, before refusing to jump off the larger step.

A spokesman for World Horse Welfare described the treatment of the horse as “disturbing and unacceptable”, and added that to Mark’s “credit” when the video came to his attention, he contacted the charity and voluntarily stepped down from his role as a World Horse Welfare patron.

“There is no place in the horse-human partnership for such use of force. Mark agrees that his behaviour was wrong and we welcome his apology. Mark is a consummate horseman, who cares deeply for horses and their welfare but, in this case, either through losing his patience or acting out of frustration, he has badly let himself down,” said the spokesman.

Mark, who won six Olympic medals, announced his retirement from eventing for the second time in 2019 and he now focuses on racehorse training. A BHA spokesman said the footage had “rightly caused anger and upset” within the equestrian community and beyond, and the BHA was “looking into the incident”.

“His behaviour, for which he has apologised, fell a long way short of the standards of care we expect of licensed individuals and that we know is provided to the overwhelming majority of horses in training in Britain every day,” he said.

An RSPCA spokesman told H&H the charity was “aware” of the incident but has been given information that suggests it happened in another country (Scotland).

Mike Flynn, Scottish SPCA chief superintendent, told H&H the manner in which the horse was treated is “wholly inappropriate”.

He added: “In Scotland, animal welfare cases are time barred. This means any evidence must be less than six months old at the time it is submitted to the procurator fiscal. This video is older than that and therefore we do not have grounds to take action.”

A British Eventing spokesman said the organisation is “aware” of the footage.

“We are disappointed at the content and would like to stress that we view equine welfare as paramount to everything we do and that we expect our members, along with the wider equestrian community, to uphold the same values,” he said.

British Horse Society director of welfare Gemma Stanford said horse welfare should always be “paramount”.

“Riders at this level have an increased responsibility as they are role models and should also be setting an example for the next generation coming through our sport,” she said. “The behaviour displayed by Mark Todd was completely unacceptable and should be thoroughly investigated.”

Fears minimum weight change could harm jockeys’ health

Becky Murray — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 14:56:07 +0000

THERE are fears changes to minimum weights in racing could harm jockeys’ mental and physical health, as discussions on the matter continue.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) announced a general weight increase of 2lb for most race categories at the start of the Flat and jumps season. This replaces the 3lb Covid allowance, brought in when racing resumed after the first lockdown to support jockeys when racecourse saunas were closed.

In a Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) survey last year, 88% of 190 respondents voted for saunas to remain closed. A 3lb allowance for safety equipment remains, as does a 1lb allowance for Flat jockeys during winter for warmer clothing.

Under the Covid allowance, a jockey weighing 9st 3lb could ride a horse allocated 9st. This means the horse would actually be carrying 9st 6lb, including the equipment allowance. But when the Flat season starts, a jockey weighing 9st 3lb would have to lose 1lb to ride the same horse, which would now be allocated 9st 2lb.

BHA chief medical advisor Jerry Hill said the closure of saunas was a “significant step forward” for jockey wellbeing and that a permanent raising of the minimum weight, while protecting competition by raising the maximum weight, was the “correct response”.

But the weight increase sparked backlash, with concerns it will make it even harder for jockeys to make the weight, and although many jockeys voted in favour of closing saunas, this was on the basis the Covid allowance would remain.

The BHA issued a response “in light of comments made”. It said the Covid allowance was a “temporary, emergency measure”, which had not been removed – it has been replaced by the 2lb increase “in all races other than pattern races and Flat amateur races”. The BHA added that the issue affected more than one part of the sport, so consultation took in views from “other sectors”. Concerns had been expressed by the National Trainers Federation (NTF) about the “potential impact” on some horses of routinely setting higher weights.

Flat jockey Ross Coakley raced in Ireland pre-Covid and moved to the UK in June 2021. He told H&H that before Covid, Irish racing had a similar rise, so he had “lived both lives”. He believes the decision was made with the “best intentions”, but he felt it would have a negative impact on jockeys’ mental health.

“When Covid happened, even though we were getting the allowance, no jockey suddenly saw this as an opportunity to say they could do lighter. Most maintained the weight they were, but they went through a stage where they didn’t have to sweat out three pounds on a daily basis – they could go to the races hydrated,” he said.

“The last thing you want is to be driving to a race worried about weight, thinking you can’t afford to have a drink [of water]. I think that’s why there was such a negative reaction from jockeys because we are going to be pushed back into that lifestyle, which we all lived until Covid, but we’ve realised the benefit of the current system and the improvement it’s brought to our daily lives.Ross said the allowance is more beneficial and healthier for jockeys than the weight rise.

“There will always be the argument that no matter what they bring the weight up to, there will always be jockeys trying to do less. But if you give us the allowance at the scales, mentally jockeys will be more inclined to set their weight and use the allowance as their safety net, rather than having to take extreme measures,” he said, adding that a “big concern” is jockeys “flipping”, or making themselves vomit.

“Jockeys are always going to be working at their minimum [weight] – it’s their income. If you’re constantly in a position where you have to be two pounds lighter than when you wake up, you’re trying to function on very little food, sweating daily – there’s mental strain. I think that’s where the mentality of flipping comes in – if someone feels they can’t afford to eat but knows they have to, then they think I’ll just regurgitate it, and they’ve still had the pleasure from eating but not put on the weight. It’s a sick mindset, but unfortunately that was a big issue pre-Covid and that’s a position some people will be pushed back into.”

Jumps trainer Kim Bailey’s stable jockey David Bass also discussed the matter.

“This looks like the difference is only 1lb, but the weight going up 2lb in the racecard is irrelevant in a handicap,” said David. “Yes, the minimum weight in the racecard is 10st 2lb, but I could get asked to ride a horse with 10st 5lb in the card and I still have to get down 2lb below that. So if I am trying to get down to 10st 3lb, I will have to use short-term weight loss methods when with the current system I’m getting down to 10st 6lb – which is comfortable – without changing my routine.”

A spokesman for the NTF said the organisation was invited to take part in a consultation on the weight increase, and the need to provide full transparency of weight carried, to the public.

“We were of the view that the outcome reached was reasonable, although understand the sensitivity of this subject for jockeys,” he said. We are now engaged in further discussions with the BHA and PJA, which we hope will enable us to reach an outcome acceptable to all involved.”

As H&H went to press, the BHA told H&H that a “constructive” meeting was held with the PJA, NTF and a “handful” of jockeys on 2 February to discuss the matter.

“We are grateful to those who attended for giving their time and for their input. The discussions will continue and a further update will be provided,” said a BHA spokesman.

The PJA told H&H the organisation welcomed the opportunity to meet the BHA and NTF, and this included testimony from senior jockeys.

‘More can and must be done’: working group to tackle poor conduct in British racing

Becky Murray — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 19:03:28 +0000

A working group made up of key stakeholders in British racing will develop an “action plan” to tackle conduct and promote “positive behaviour change” in the industry.

The announcement comes a week after jockey Robbie Dunne was given an 18-month ban, with three months suspended, after he was found in breach of all four counts of conduct prejudicial to horseracing as the disciplinary panel of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) ruled he had bullied and harassed fellow rider Bryony Frost.

The group, chaired by the BHA, will include representatives from the National Trainers Federation, Professional Jockeys Association, National Association of Racing Staff, Racehorse Owners Association, Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, and Racecourse Association – “and/or – crucially – the people that they represent”.

“As part of this commitment, initial discussions around which commenced earlier this year, the signatories have agreed to take part in a working party which will report into the industry people board and have the objectives of promoting the positive elements of conduct within the industry, educating our people, deterring poor behaviours and any form of discrimination while empowering our people to call out conduct which falls short of our joint expectations,” read a joint statement.

A spokesman for the group said British racing is a diverse industry where individuals of varying identities and from a wide range of backgrounds work and compete side by side.

“It is a sport characterised by the shared values of camaraderie and conscientiousness which come hand in hand with working in an elite sport and the risks associated with working alongside our equine athletes,” he said.

“It is essential horseracing remains a progressive, modern industry when it comes to the conduct of our people. We must prioritise the wellbeing and development of our workforce, stand against discrimination of any kind in British racing, and invest in making racing a safe, fulfilling place to work.”

The spokesman said “great progress” had already been made in the industry in improving standards around training, education, employment practices, wellbeing, safeguarding, and career development, but more can be done. with the “entire sport involved in making racing “a better place to work”.

“However, there is always more that can and must be done. We must encourage a culture of openness and seek to support anyone who faces problems or has found themselves in difficulty. We must promote a culture of respect in how those involved in racing interact with one another and promote more diversity and inclusion at all levels of the industry,” he said.

“The signatories to this statement, therefore, publicly commit to further improve standards, education and training around industry conduct, through the formation of a dedicated cross-industry working party.”

The working party will “as a priority” develop an action plan, which will be underpinned by research into the most effective examples of positive behaviour change from other industries. The formation of the group and action plan are “an important part” of a previously announced project to introduce a new industry code of conduct and underpinning regulations, which will be introduced in spring 2022. The code has been developed alongside all the working group members, who are also signatories of British racing’s diversity and inclusion industry commitment.

“The working party will have among its objectives ensuring that the new code of conduct is properly communicated, explained and understood and that it achieves its objectives of raising standards of behaviour and conduct within the sport,” said the spokesman.

“The working party will also assist in the introduction of the sport’s new safeguarding policy and regulations, which are also close to being finalised.”

‘Many kind people have stood by me’: champion jockey Oisin Murphy hands in licence to focus on rehab

Lucy Elder — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 18:43:52 +0000

Champion Flat jockey Oisin Murphy has handed in his licence while he focuses on rehabilitation.

The 26-year-old was set to face charges concerning his allegedly breaking Covid rules in September 2020, as well as two charges regarding positive alcohol tests in May and October 2021, before an independent disciplinary panel last week (10 December).

Ahead of the hearing, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) received submissions from Oisin’s legal team regarding his welfare, supported by medical evidence, and stated that he had decided to relinquish his Flat jockeys’ licence while he “engages fully with medical support”. Both sides agreed to postpone the hearing.

“On returning from abroad last September in 2020 I failed to follow the Covid protocol set out by the BHA. In breaking these rules, and attempting to mislead the BHA, I’ve let my governing body down, along with trainers, owners, staff, sponsors and family for which I wish to apologise,” said Oisin.

“In addition to this there have been two racecourse incidents linked to alcohol during 2021. It became obvious to me and to everyone else that I needed to seek serious help. In recognition of this I have relinquished my licence and will now focus on my rehabilitation. I am grateful to the BHA for agreeing to postpone the disciplinary hearing until I have been able to take these steps.

“Whether I deserve it or not, many kind people have stood by me and I really appreciate their support. I’m deeply embarrassed and regret my actions.”

The three-time champion jockey faces three allegations of rule breaches concerning coronavirus protocols relating to travel in September 2020. These are misleading or attempting to mislead the BHA regarding his true location between 9 and 12 September 2020, accessing the racecourse in breach of Covid-19 requirements and acting in a manner prejudicial to the proper conduct and good reputation of horseracing.

The matters were set to be heard at the same time as two allegations regarding positive tests for alcohol, from Chester on 5 May 2021 and Newmarket on 8 October 2021.

“In regulating the sport we must always strike the balance between the importance of upholding the rules, and being mindful of the wellbeing of those who we regulate. The welfare of our participants is an absolute priority,” said Tim Naylor, BHA director of integrity and regulation.

“Having received detailed submissions from his representatives, which were supported by medical evidence, and being aware of the decision made by Mr Murphy to relinquish his jockey’s licence, we agreed that the proposed disciplinary hearing may be postponed for a short period of time.

“The charges will be considered in front of an independent disciplinary panel we anticipate in the early part of 2022. We will support his medical team in the meantime.”

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

More action needed to improve diversity in racing

Becky Murray — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 12:03:03 +0000

Calls for more action on tackling racial inequality in British racing have been made following a panel discussion on the issue.

The Diversity in Racing steering group’s Let’s Talk About Race webinar on 10 November was hosted by broadcaster Nick Luck, joined by panellists Sheeren Daniels of anti-racism advisory firm HR Rewired, sports presenter and former cricketer Michael Holding, Great British Racing non-executive chairman Tony Langham and racehorse trainer Suzy Smith. There were 250 people engaged with the event, which focused on providing an “educational insight and a collective conversation on racism” and how the industry can progress.

Suzy Smith highlighted the gap between racing’s “actual behaviour” and the industry’s perceived behaviour.

“British racing has a diverse workforce, but people will not stay in the sport if our understanding of racism and behaviours around race are not improved,” she said.

“People of colour are [strongly] represented in our yards, but what message is it giving to them when as a sport we have not addressed anything since the murder of George Floyd? Forget about bringing people into horseracing, I worry that our silence has affected the people we already have.”

Jamaican-born Michael, who lives in Newmarket and has written a book Why We Kneel, How We Rise, highlighted the importance of more education on Black history, and discussed the meaning of “white privilege”.

“White privilege means that white people do not have the problem of overcoming dark skin. Because of the colour of my skin people form an immediate impression of me; someone once came up to me at the Epsom Derby when I was standing by a lift, dressed in top hat and tails, asking for directions automatically thinking I was working there,” he said.

“It doesn’t mean white people don’t have challenges, all people do, but they don’t have to overcome the obstacle of having dark skin before they even start their journey.”

Shereen Daniels discussed progressing racial diversity on a corporate level. She said this should start at board level, which can then filter down a business.

“When it comes to board representation, I don’t want to see black faces in white spaces, I want to know they have got budget responsibilities, they have profit and loss to look after and can make decisions because of their capabilities,” she said.

The Diversity in Racing steering group will launch a diversity and inclusion e-learning module on the British Horseracing Authority’s Racing2Learn platform at the end of the year, which joins to the LGBT+ module, and will provide a “valuable opportunity” for anyone in racing to learn more on key issues related to diversity and inclusion.

Riders urged to give ‘one kind word’ and beat the bullies

Becky Murray — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 20:03:45 +0000

The equestrian world has been encouraged to continue to speak up about negative behaviour in the industry during national anti-bullying week (15–19 November).

The theme of this year’s week is “One Kind Word”, with the Anti-Bullying Alliance – which is spearheading the campaign – stating that “kindness is more important today than it ever has been”.

“The isolation of the last year has underlined how little acts of consideration and charity can break down barriers and brighten the lives of the people around us,” said an Anti-Bullying Alliance spokesman.

Event rider Jake Tarrant, who launched the “Good Sport Initiative” in 2019 which aimed to promote positivity in the equestrian community using the hashtag #buddydontbully, said the lockdowns highlighted that bullying is “still rife” in the horse world.

“Riders were being judged for what they were or weren’t doing during lockdown. There was an awful lot of belittling and heckling going on and it’s proved that bullying is still a very valid concern,” he said. “A wrong word at the wrong time can ruin someone, but a kind word at the right time when you need it can be enough to put you back on the right track and give you hope.

“We need more people who are prepared to lift others up, and I think we need the governing bodies to be stepping in, with repercussions such as temporary bans if bullying is seen at shows. It’s so important people are encouraged to speak out and know they’re not on their own.”

Riders Minds offers an online resource dedicated to supporting the mental health of equestrians, including those who are being affected by bullying.

“It’s a tricky and uncomfortable topic but it’s one that needs addressing because it has a huge impact on people,” a Riders Minds spokesman told H&H.

“The horse world can be very emotive because people are so invested in their horses and the sport. Bullying can stem from a range of emotions; sometimes from insecurities or jealousy, but other times it’s not necessarily out of spite or malice – people sometimes don’t think how their words might affect somebody. But if that somebody is already having a bad day, one more thing can be enough to trigger that person towards a place they don’t want to be in.”

British Equestrian member bodies have safeguarding policies on their websites including details of who to report bullying to, and chief executive Jim Eyre told H&H the federation feels “very strongly” that bullying should not be tolerated.

“No one should hesitate to report a concern, either as a victim or witness, using the channels in place,” he said.

“We work with our member bodies to ensure everyone in equestrian sport is safeguarded from bullying, harassment and abuse and has an enjoyable experience. We will be supporting anti-bullying week and encourage everyone in the equestrian community to do so too.”

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) said it is working with industry participants to develop a code of conduct that will be designed to endorse the “many positive” behaviours in the sport.

“It will also be designed to deter any negative behaviours that may arise, ensuring anyone who witnesses or is on the receiving end of poor conduct, feels confident and comfortable in calling it out,” said a BHA spokesman, adding that concerns about behaviour can be raised via representative bodies, the BHA or the confidential RaceWISE reporting service.

“Any complaints raised through these routes can be made in the knowledge that they will be taken seriously and that appropriate action will be taken.”

Employers are encouraged to have a “zero tolerance” policy against bullying in yards, with documented disciplinary action if required.

“There is no excuse for bullying in the industry and we all have a duty of care to eradicate it. Bullying has a direct correlation to mental health and wellbeing issues, and employers have a moral responsibility to provide a safe working environment,” a spokesman for the Equestrian Employers Association (EEA) told H&H.

“Employers must lead by example and can get support on safeguarding policies and best practices from the EEA.”

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(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

‘That’s the horse world for you’: calls to end acceptance of bullying

TX9JY7 Galashiels, UK. 24th June, 2019. Braw Lads Gathering, Lindean Rideout, Galashiels, UK. A spectator captures the scene on a mobile phone during the rideout to the site of the former Linden Kirk ( now ruined ) where the Braw Lad places a wreath on the Preachers Cross, before returning to Galashiels, on route stopping to undertake a series of horse races for the participants of the rideout. Credit: Rob Gray/Alamy Live News (Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Calls for action to help stamp out bullying H&H Plus

As national anti-bullying week comes to a close, more needs to be done to combat the problem across the equestrian

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Questions and welcome for ban on racehorses in human food chain

Lucy Elder — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 19:58:11 +0000

A ban on racehorses entering the human food chain has been both welcomed and questioned, as the industry seeks to avoid unintended consequences in a well-intentioned move.

All horses entered to run in any race in Britain must be signed out of the human food chain, via their passports, by 1 January 2022. This will also exclude horses from entering the animal food chain in Britain, which is regulated to the same standard.

The rule applies to all horses trained in Britain, and connected technology means entries will not be possible if the horse is not signed out on the Weatherbys ePassport.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is also looking at how it can practically apply the rule to international runners, which is more complex. This is because of EU legislation covering who has the authority to sign horses out of the food chain – plus how and when this is done – along with variations in equine passports from country to country.

“This rule change is yet another reminder of the importance of the UK implementing a digital-first equine ID system with full traceability and intelligence-led enforcement, and racing undertaking robust due diligence on racehorse aftercare along its entire supply chain,” World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers told H&H.

Mr Owers added that without a legal outlet in the UK, former racehorses could be at greater risk of being exported abroad for slaughter, and of being sent to an illegal, unlicensed slaughterhouse.

“So this new rule will mean that it is more important than ever for racing to keep a close eye on what happens to horses once they leave the racetrack and consider how, as a sector, they can ensure welfare is protected at end of life,” he said.

“Horse meat is a valuable commodity, and where there is money to be made, there are those who will find a way to make it – and animal welfare will not be a consideration.

“The scale of this fraudulent trade is impossible to quantify as it takes place under the radar, and the current regime of equine ID and enforcement is simply unable to tackle it. This is what needs to change if we want to truly protect all horses, including former racehorses.”

BHA director of equine health and welfare James Given told H&H the new rule is “very much just one step on a much broader journey”.

“[This journey] was instigated through the publication of the Horse Welfare Board’s strategy for welfare in racing, “A Life Well Lived”, which includes improved traceability, a recent funding review, greater clarity of roles and responsibilities when it comes to aftercare and much more, alongside a focus on safety, quality of life and public trust,” he said.

The timing of the announcement is pertinent. While there has been much discussion in the wake of the Panorama documentary, aired on 19 July, the decision to permanently exclude racehorses from the human food chain was agreed unanimously by the BHA’s cross-industry veterinary committee on 28 January. This was then put out to wider industry consultation and approval by the rules committee and BHA board in September.

The announcement came a week after the publication of the “moving animals across borders” report by Parliament’s Environment, Food and Rural Affairs select committee put pressure on Defra to tackle equine welfare and traceability issues across the whole horse industry (news, 7 October). This included highlighting the need to move to a digital identification system, which exists in the thoroughbred industry, in order to prevent equine ID fraud and horse smuggling.

“The introduction of laws and regulations to protect animal welfare is important but ultimately meaningless if they are not enforced,” stated the report. H&H has contacted Defra for a response.

A euthanasia code of practice for the thoroughbred industry was also published last winter, to help people make the best end-of-life decisions for a horse when the time comes. The new rule ties in with those guidelines. It seeks to prevent horses being sent for slaughter in exchange for money for their meat, rather than preventing abattoirs from ever being an end-of-life option when considering a horse’s welfare.

“British racing has in place a euthanasia code of practice to aid trainers and owners with end-of-life decisions. The guidance is clear that whenever possible, euthanasia should be performed at home or in suitable surroundings,” added Mr Given.

“The transporting of horses to an abattoir to be sold for consumption should not, in my view, be classed as euthanasia and is not an approach that we should tolerate in our sport, which is why a rule preventing this practice is a positive step. I am confident that most British trainers and owners agree with me on this and already observe this principle.”

Sex harassment ‘epidemic’ and lack of diversity must be tackled for sport’s future

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 20:01:35 +0000

AN “epidemic” of sexual harassment and a lack of ethnic diversity are two issues the industry must tackle to secure a sustainable future.

A host of experts spoke at the 2021 Racing Foundation conference on 30 September, which was titled, “Future-proofing the racing industry: protecting people and the planet”.

British Horseracing Authority CEO Julie Harrington had pointed out that although horse welfare is always the top priority, this has been the focus of the independently chaired Horse Welfare Board, set up in 2020, so this conference concentrated on other areas.

Eleanor Boden gave a talk titled, “Where did all the girls go?” She explained she had intended to study teaching and education in racing for her PhD, but that it “became quite gendered”.

“We wanted to know why young people, especially females, were coming into education and training but not continuing,” Dr Boden said. She added that she spoke to 87% female jockeys, who came into the industry with aspirations.

Issues raised included acceptance of terms such as “a lad’s ride”, to safety issues – “Have you tried to get your boobs into a body protector?” – and bosses’ comments such as, “Your arse is too big.”

“Period shame wasn’t considered but some women are on contraceptives, to avoid embarrassment or weight fluctuations,” Dr Boden said.

She added that maternity and pregnancy were big issues, as could be hyper-femininity, with certain expectations to the point “some women were warned not to be bikes”.

A major issue though was sexual harassment. Dr Boden found women were told their place was in the kitchen rather than on the yard, and offered rides in exchange for sexual favours. She had to submit her study with a language and content warning.

“We’re in a sexual harassment epidemic,” she said. “It’s a societal problem and racing can’t be arrogant enough to think it’s not happening in our spaces. Racing has a massive opportunity to get this right and lead.”

Dr Boden said what is often brushed off as “just banter” is harassment or bullying, but many women said they did not report it as it was “not worth the hassle”, or they felt their jobs would be at risk. She said there is an acceptance of inappropriate comments, that it is OK to comment on a female body and that “part of the racing attitude means it goes unchallenged”.

“Gender stereotypes are widely accepted and unchallenged, and those who succeed are ‘those who learn to play the game’, but women can never win,” she said.

“This is happening and it needs sorting. It’s not going away, it’s getting worse.”

Dr Boden proposed creating a toolkit to let people know their responsibilities and an e-learning module has been written and will soon go live. Employers need to know their additional responsibilities and there should be a clear and easy way to report any concerns.

“It’s really important we all know safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility,” she said. “We should challenge behaviour and language and create awareness. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t and if you stop the behaviour now, they won’t do it to someone else. If we get this right, everyone will benefit.”

Introducing the ethnicity in racing discussion panel, conference host Oli Bell, of ITV Racing, said increasing diversity in the industry is “hugely important and something we as a sport haven’t done enough about”.

Susannah Gill, chair of the diversity in racing steering group, said she was “sitting here pretty much as a posh white person”, but had long been the only woman in her areas of work, which led her into her efforts to increase diversity.

She told a story of a mayor who wanted his town’s fountain to run with milk on his birthday. Every resident was meant to empty in a jug of milk the night before, but on the day, the fountain ran with water.

“People thought that if everyone else put their milk in, no one would notice, but everyone had thought that,” she said. “And when it comes to ethnic diversity, I think that’s what happens; everyone thinks someone else will confront it, but they’re not. It’s a conversation we should all have.”

Ms Gill said everyone can help. If they work for an organisation that has signed up to the industry commitment on diversity and inclusion, they can contribute to its work in the area, and if not, they can try to work towards a sign-up. A webinar titled “Let’s talk about race” is planned for 10 November.

Sky Sports Racing researcher Callum Helliwell explained that he had ridden since childhood, but his dreams of being a jockey were “shattered” when he was told he was too tall. After a journalism degree, a course in Newmarket and working with racehorses in New Zealand, he took part in Sky documentary The Uncomfortable Race this spring, which led to his current job.

Mr Helliwell said it is crucial the industry attracts more fans and participants from all races, classes and backgrounds.

“Put yourself in someone else’s shoes and think about what it must be like from someone from a diverse background on a racecourse,” he said. “At Cheltenham, you walk into a sea of tweed, with white people under it, and if you’re not white and wearing tweed, you feel uncomfortable, as you feel you stick out. You find yourself wearing tweed and talking a different way, but the one thing I can’t change is my skin colour. You have to feel you’re accepted.”

Mr Helliwell said people from diverse communities will not return to the races if they feel uncomfortable and that everyone can help. He likened it to men taking on women’s comments about feeling unsafe in public after Sarah Everard’s murder, and what they could do to allay those fears.

“That’s the way to attract people from diverse backgrounds into the sport, we’ve got to make sure they want to come back,” he said, adding that one example is the creation of alcohol- and gambling-free “quiet zones” at racecourses for Muslims who do not drink or gamble.

Ashleigh Wicheard, assistant travelling head person for Neil Mulholland Racing, has previously told H&H she was often the only Black person in the paddock.

At the conference, she said she is passionate about boosting diversity and wants to concentrate on positives.

“My main message is that I’m not just trying to promote diversity, but inclusion for everyone,” she said, adding that building on the momentum created in 2019 by Muslim jockey Khadijah Mellah winning the Magnolia Cup at Goodwood is key.

Mr Helliwell added: “We need to put our foot down and make change. We can talk about it as much as we want, but we have to do more.”

Trainer ‘permanently excluded’ after safeguarding violation

Sarah Radford — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 21:01:28 +0000

Trainer Johnny Farrelly has been “permanently excluded” from British racing after he was found to have breached safeguarding regulations.

The 36-year-old former Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey has trained from his yard in Somerset since 2013, sending out more than 130 winners.

He now faces a minimum seven-year ban from the sport, having being found to have committed six offences under section 4 and one under section 6 of the BHA’s safeguarding regulations.

The decision was reached after a five-day hearing in front of the National Safeguarding Panel (NSP).

A statement from the British Horseracing Authority noted that all parties were “bound by the NSP’s rules around disclosure” and that while the decision can be publicised, there can be no further disclosure of the details around the case.

Section 4 of the regulations focuses on the protection of young persons and adults at risk and includes a ban on any conduct that directly or indirectly causes “harm”.

Section 6 section covers “supporting provisions” of the regulations, which include co-operation with investigation and the prohibition of causing “any detriment” to someone suspected of making a complaint.

The ban will come into force on 5 October and is open to the right to review after seven years.

In a statement delivered via the National Trainers Federation (NTF), Farrelly said that he planned to exercise his right to appeal.

“I intend to appeal against today’s findings and will therefore make no further comment about the hearing,” the jumps trainer said.

“I would also like it to be known that a police investigation concluded with no charges in relation to my conduct.”

Bloodstock industry aims to outlaw double-dealing and bribes

Lucy Elder — Sun, 22 Aug 2021 19:01:41 +0000

THE thoroughbred industry has moved to outlaw double-dealing and bribery, with the threat of criminal as well as regulatory repercussions for “serious malpractice”.

The new bloodstock industry code of practice came into force in Britain and Ireland on 16 August, replacing previous codes that had been in place since 2009 and 2010.

“Such practices have no place in the bloodstock industry,” states the new code.

The move follows a British Horseracing Authority (BHA) review of the buying and selling of bloodstock and racehorses in British racing, released in December 2019, and the new code is centred on the key recommendations in that report.

BHA chief executive Julie Harrington confirmed the code will be incorporated into the BHA’s Rules of Racing.

“[The code] represents a significant step forwards in terms of enhancing trust in the process of buying and selling bloodstock in Britain and Ireland,” she said.

“It is essential if we are to attract and retain owners in the sport that anyone involved in the purchase of bloodstock can have confidence that they are being treated fairly, and the code will help further enhance British racing’s reputation on this front.”

Tattersalls marketing director Jimmy George, chair of the Bloodstock Industry Forum that was also formed following the BHA review, added: “Importantly, the new code of practice has introduced a complaints procedure independent of the industry bodies.

“Individuals found to be in breach of the code, either in criminal or civil proceedings or having been sanctioned by the BHA for breach of the code, will also be subject to exclusion from participating at Tattersalls and Goffs sales in Britain and Ireland.”

Federation of Bloodstock Agents chairman Oliver St Lawrence added that the association has also “tightened its membership requirements”.

“Together with a raft of other new measures, this upgraded code should protect principals with a significant tightening up of the definition of acceptable ethical behaviour by all participants in the buying and selling of bloodstock and fully clarifies the law in the UK and Ireland,” he said.

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Calls for UK-wide protocols on concussion and head injuries in sport

Becky Murray — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 06:03:58 +0000

AN inquiry into concussion in sport is calling for UK-wide protocols on dealing with head injuries, and improvement in the reporting of sporting injuries.

The Government’s Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) committee launched the inquiry following increasing media attention on the “growing evidence” that there is a link between taking part in sport and developing dementia later in life, and aimed to examine whether this issue needed Government intervention. Following the conclusion of the inquiry, which included evidence from health professionals, experts and sporting bodies, a report was published last month in which recommendations were made.

These include NHS England reviewing how it collates concussion data and ensuring doctors have patients’ full medical history available to better inform treatment. The report also recommends that the Government immediately mandates the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to work with sport national governing bodies to establish a national framework by July 2022 for reporting injuries, and establishes a research fund and a specialist group to review emerging science on concussion.

Medical Equestrian Association (MEA) chair Megan Hardman told H&H the report is “very valuable”, and data collection is important, but added that in equestrian sport, a “culture change” is needed around riders returning to the saddle too soon after injury.

“At grassroots level we need riders to destigmatise head injuries so there’s not that bravado that you have to get straight back on. It’s that real ‘battling through injury’ mindset and being ‘brave’ – we see it in all equestrian sports,” she said.

“As doctors we might say to a rider ‘you need two weeks of no riding’, but once that person walks away from that event we have no control over what they do. Unless they really buy into it and believe what you tell them, we can’t force them to do it.”

Dr Hardman added that as a result of the report the MEA and British Eventing (BE) plan to produce guidance to be handed out to riders at events on what to do following a head injury.

“We already provide advice cards but it’s not explicit enough for riders in my opinion,” said Dr Hardman. “What we need is something that says ‘do this’. We also plan to have someone from the Injured Jockeys Fund to talk to us about what we should be doing with these people and why it helps them so the MEA and BE are putting out the same message.”

British Equestrian chief executive Jim Eyre told H&H the organisation and its member bodies are “committed to upholding the highest standards” of welfare for all, and takes the risk of neurological injuries and concussion “extremely seriously”.

“With the FEI, we have taken a proactive lead in this area and share their aim of reducing risk and improving management of injuries, with each member body having its own protocols to manage falls with the risk of concussion,“ he said.

“While riding helmets will help to protect riders from significant head injury trauma, we recognise they may not protect from concussion. Therefore, concussion as part of athlete welfare is regularly reviewed at all levels, from Pony Club to BEF’s world class programme. “We recognise more can always be done in terms of awareness and education, and we welcome the DCMS report and look forward to the follow-on work with UK Sport and the HSE”.

The British Horseracing Authority provided evidence to the DMCS inquiry and a spokesman told H&H the organisation “welcomes” the report.

“Discussions with the Government have already been undertaken on this subject and we look forward to continuing that work, as well as engaging with other sporting governing bodies, to understand what role British racing can play in the implementation of the report’s recommendations”.

Changes to whip use and sanctions are on the cards H&H Plus

Lucy Elder — Sat, 03 Jul 2021 10:04:27 +0000

The British Horseracing Authority has announced and explained how its consultation on whip use will work. H&H was present at the launch to find out more

CHANGES to whip use and related sanctions in racing are likely to come into force next year.

The news came as the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) launched its delayed public consultation on whip use in the sport on 1 July.

Brant Dunshea, BHA chief regulatory officer, stressed this is “not a polarised yes-no debate” or “referendum” over whether the whip stays or goes, rather it is a question of how it is used and what the sanctions are for misuse. But he added that some reform is likely and “nothing is off the table entirely”.

“What is clear is that the whip is an issue of public trust, and the sport must be alive and responsive to the view of the public, who are our current and future customers,” he said, adding that it is also a question of sporting fairness.

“Society must trust horse sport to be ethical and reflect its values to maintain acceptance. We acknowledge that. The long-term health of British racing has never been more important in light of the current situation we are all living through, with regard to Covid and its impacts over the last 18 months. Public trust in the sport will play a pivotal role in the sport’s recovery and plans for growth.”

He added: “While nothing has been predetermined and no decision has been made – there are no options that are off the table – I think it would be a reasonable expectation that there will be some level of reform as a consequence of this process.”

Questions include whether participants should be disqualified for whip rule breaches.

“It’s important to note the whip is widely recognised as a potential aid for safely controlling and instructing horses, and whips are carried in most equine sports for that purpose,” said Mr Dunshea.

“It is for that reason the horse welfare board recommended that the consultation should look at the rules under which the padded whips are used, which is currently for encouragement, correction and safety, and the penalties for breaches of those rules, rather than recommending a debate on whether the whip should be banned outright.”

The first phase of the consultation is an online questionnaire, open to all, running for 10 weeks.

Further phases include “detailed discussions” with relevant individuals, and focus groups with volunteers. Mr Dunshea confirmed the steering group is seeking views of the wider equestrian sporting world as part of this.

There are already strict rules on the use of whips in British racing. The last reform was in 2011 and Mr Dunshea said the need to continually look at areas such as this, in the light of how society and views shift, is something racing acknowledges it needs to do as a “progressive, modern sport”.

The proposed timeline is for the new rules to be decided in January 2022, followed by a “bedding-in” phase, and changes implemented in the spring, after the Grand National and ahead of the first Classics.

The consultation was a recommendation by the racing industry’s horse welfare board. It was originally set to be concluded by October 2020, but was delayed by Covid.

BHA chief executive Julie Harrington said the sport must have rules and penalties that are “viewed as fair” to both participants and the betting public.

“At a time when societal and political views are constantly changing, the future health of our sport will depend in part on the maintenance of social licence and the trust that the public and politicians have in us,” she said.

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Delight as Queen recognises equestrians in birthday honours list

Becky Murray — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 16:38:19 +0000

Equestrians have been recognised for their contributions in The Queen’s birthday honours list.

Three long-standing Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) volunteers, a vet and the British Horseracing Authority’s medical adviser have been named in the 2021 list.

Lady Perdita Blackwood was appointed CBE for services to disabled young people and charity in Northern Ireland. She was the founder of RDA in Northern Ireland, forming the first group, Cavallo RDA, in 1967.

Julie Frazer, former regional chair of RDA in Northern Ireland, said the charity is delighted to hear that its founder has been appointed CBE.

“I am sure when she started Cavallo RDA group back in the 1960s no one envisaged that it would still be going today or that RDA would have expanded its reach across the province in the way that it has,” she said.

“Many thousands of riders have been helped over the years all because of her determination and enthusiasm which started it all. Many congratulations to her for this very well deserved acknowledgement of her contribution to society.”

Pippa Hughes, the founder of Wyfold Carriage Driving group in Berkshire, was appointed MBE for services to people with disabilities. Pippa was a trustee, coach and driving organiser of the group.

Jane Cepok was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to the RDA, Pony Club and equestrian sport. Jane was a coach at Auchterarder RDA in west and central Scotland. She is also the district commissioner of the Strathearn branch of the Pony Club.

“Congratulations to Lady Perdita, Pippa and Jane. It is always a pleasure to see RDA volunteers recognised in this way – for the many years’ dedicated service they have given to RDA, to their local communities, and, most importantly, to the many riders and carriage drivers they have helped and supported along the way,” said Ed Bracher, RDA chief executive.

James Wood, head of the department of veterinary medicine and Alborada professor of equine and farm and animal science at the University of Cambridge, was appointed OBE for services to veterinary science.

Professor Wood has been a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) since 2013 and is also a member of the RCVS education committee.

RCVS president Mandisa Green said Professor Wood is a “fantastic” colleague and asset to the council, bringing a wide range of scientific, academic and public policy experience to bear on its discussions and decisions.

“As an academic, a researcher and a leader at Cambridge Veterinary School, he has made a huge contribution to veterinary science,” she said.

Jerry Hill, chief medical adviser for the BHA, was appointed MBE for his services to British horseracing during the Covid-19 pandemic.

A BHA spokesman said Dr Hill’s leadership of British racing’s medical response during the pandemic, through his “compassionate, collegiate and methodical approach”, helped the sport chart a safe course through the challenges, and facilitated the safe resumption of elite sport in the UK.

“Following racing’s suspension on 18 March 2020, Dr Hill worked tirelessly with colleagues across racing, fellow medical advisers and professionals, to develop safe and robust protocols for the resumption of a £4.1bn industry,” said the spokesman.

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“His expertise was recognised by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport as he was invited to join a group of fellow sports chief medical advisers and Public Health England to agree guidance for the resumption of elite sports in the UK. Dr Hill personally took the lead on drafting the stage three – return to domestic competition guidance, which was swiftly agreed by the public health authorities and allowed the return of all elite sport in the UK from 1 June 2020.”

Dr Hill, who in autumn 2020 was awarded an honorary consultant contract with Public Health England along with three other colleagues to formally support the deputy chief medical officer who oversees the sport portfolio, said he was “genuinely humbled” by the appointment.

“British racing’s response to the coronavirus pandemic has been a truly collaborative one, and the industry has shown what it can achieve when it pulls together,” he said. “I believe that this award reflects the hard work and commitment of many people across the sport,” he said.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

New rule for horses to have scans before major race raises questions H&H Plus

Lucy Elder — Sun, 16 May 2021 10:03:32 +0000

The rules also ban any international horse who has ever had a previous major fracture or orthopedic surgery from racing, and limits international Melbourne Cup contenders to one start in Australia prior to the big race. H&H finds out more, and gathers the views of British vets and racing authorities

NEW requirements for horses to undergo extensive body and limb scans ahead of the Melbourne Cup have raised a plethora of questions surrounding the knock-on effects of the stringent new regulations.

Racing Victoria and the Victoria Racing Club announced a raft of new requirements for horses competing in the Spring Racing Carnival, with even more measures for international horses and those competing in the Melbourne Cup.

These include a full body scintigraphy (bone) scan of international horses plus CT/MRI leg scans before travelling to Australia, paid for by connections, plus further CT scans before racing.

Scintigraphy uses radioactive tracers to highlight abnormalities of the skeleton, such as hairline fractures, and the dose used is harmless to the horse’s general health. The horse remains radioactive for a short time afterwards, which means spending a night or two at a veterinary practice so others are not exposed to radiation.

The rules also ban any international horse who has ever had a previous major fracture or orthopedic surgery from racing, regardless of current health and soundness, and limits international Melbourne Cup contenders to one start in Australia prior to the big race. The regulations also reduce the number of international horses allowed to take part at the Spring Carnival, while all Melbourne Cup runners — national or international — must have pre-race leg CT scans. A recommendation suggesting altering the firmness of the going for the Melbourne Cup was not approved.

“The review ultimately found that injuries in international horses, including in the Melbourne Cup, result from a variety of factors and that a combination of changes is required to reduce the risk of injury rather than one single initiative,” said Racing Victoria chairman Brian Kruger.

“We know some of these initiatives will be onerous on connections, but we make no apology for making the safety of horses our priority. Our sole focus is on ensuring that horses and riders compete safely, and we are committed to delivering these important enhancements in 2021 and beyond.”

But it has also raised larger, ethical and scientific questions over what sort of precedent this sets for global racing and whether the recommendations are the solution. These areas, any positives plus the possible unintended knock-on effects, are likely to be watched by stakeholders across the world.

British Equine Veterinary Association president Lucy Grieve told H&H: “This new rule raises many questions; undoubtedly we should all do whatever we can to avoid catastrophic injuries but it’s important that the tools we use are accurate and specific predictors.

“Where we decide to subject these animals to rounds of sedation, injection with a radioactive marker and exposure to ionising radiation we should also be sure that the end justifies the means.”

A British Horseracing Authority spokesman told H&H the organisation “notes” the publication of the review and the resulting recommendations.

“We are in contact with Racing Victoria and will be speaking to them to ascertain further details regarding this announcement, in order that we can assist British owners and trainers,” he said.

“Where a horse has been refused the opportunity to race in Melbourne as a result of these measures, we would seek to ensure there is a process to assess that horse upon its return to Britain so that it’s suitability to return to racing safely is appropriately managed.”

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Racecourse ban for horsebox driver who drove at traffic stewards

Lucy Elder — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 17:25:19 +0000

A horsebox driver who drove at traffic stewards in a moment of “road rage” has been banned from racecourses for two months.

Travelling head lad Nigel Wakefield was sanctioned by British Horseracing Authority’s (BHA) disciplinary panel today (22 April) for two rule breaches. These were in relation to driving a lorry, with two horses on board, into people directing traffic outside Chelmsford City racecourse on 2 September 2017 and for aggressive behaviour and verbal abuse towards staff at Nottingham racecourse on 14 October 2020.

Mr Wakefield, who had previously pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention and common assault at Chelmsford Crown Court in relation to the 2017 incident, will serve a two-month ban from racecourses, effective immediately. He was also given a further two-month ban, suspended for three months.

Oliver Harland, representing the BHA, said the authority had formally warned Mr Wakefield more than once to improve his behaviour, opting to take a “more pastoral approach” to start with, but that “simply didn’t work”.

The hearing was told that when a BHA investigating officer tried to give him a letter in person, relating to inquiries over the 2017 Chelmsford incident, Mr Wakefied responded by telling her that she could “get out of my f****** face”. Mr Harland said the BHA could have brought this as a separate charge, but was instead presenting it as an aggravating factor.

Mr Harland added that Mr Wakefield, who has worked in the industry since the 1980s, was “on notice” about his behaviour when he called staff at Nottingham racecourse “f****** amateurs” in October 2020.

“They were just doing their job, running the Covid check-in process,” Mr Harland said.

“The pattern of behaviour we are seeing is that his normal state of mind is aggressive and threatening when he attends racecourses.”

He added that this “needs to be reflected in the penalty imposed” and Mr Wakefield “needs to take proactive steps” to address his behaviour.

“There is no excuse for running someone over,” said Mr Harland. “There is no mitigation for that and no excuse for telling several people where to go when they were effectively just doing their job.”

He added that the “BHA is not naive” about the realities of the job, but the concern is not about “occasional coarse language” or “getting stressed in the job”, rather a pattern of behaviour that has gone “far and beyond what is reasonable”.

Adam Flacks, representing Mr Wakefield, said his client will attend an anger management course, has apologised for the rule breaches and to the BHA investigating officer, and is “sincere about changing his behaviour”.

Mr Flacks added that through the criminal court case against him, Mr Wakefield has been punished for the 2017 offence and has “paid his debt to society”.

The panel heard he is the sole staff member able to drive the 15-tonne horsebox at his employer, Mick Appleby’s yard.

“Since [the rule breach in 2017] he has attended hundreds of race day events without incident. Mr Wakefield isn’t therefore, someone who causes trouble wherever and whenever he attends racing,” said Mr Flacks.

Character references, read by Mr Flacks, said that Mr Wakefield “always puts the welfare of the horses first” and that he is “passionate about horse welfare and that has always been his first thought”.

Panel chairman James O’Mahony explained they considered the two rule breaches together in order to deliver one sanction covering both.

“You can’t go around treating other people in the racing industry, who are no fools, [this way],” he said. “They are also people who are passionate about horses and racing and are all doing a job, and you can’t go round behaving that way, being verbally abusive and insulting.”

Mr Wakefield was given a two-month ban from attending racecourses, to start immediately, with a further two months suspended, providing he does not break any further BHA rules in a period of three months. An application to be allowed to continue working in a licensed racing yard was accepted.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Equestrian events to observe national one-minute silence for Prince Philip’s funeral

Becky Murray — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 16:04:56 +0000

Equestrian events have been asked to observe the national one-minute silence for the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral this weekend – while adjustments to racing and point-to-pointing schedules have been announced.

Prince Philip’s funeral service will take place on Saturday (17 April) between 2.45pm and 4.15pm, and a national one-minute silence will be observed at 3pm.

In guidance issued yesterday (13 April) British Equestrian (BEF) said the organisation is aware that a large number in the equestrian community will wish to pay their respects.

“We leave it to the organiser’s discretion on whether to facilitate any such break in their schedule. Organisers may also wish to consider allowing/requesting riders to wear black armbands on Saturday,” said a BEF spokesman.

“However, we would request that all events/venues make provision in their timetable to observe the national one-minute silence at 3pm with a halt in any activity, ensuring enough time for action to stop sufficiently to allow a full minute of reflection and respect.”

As a mark of respect the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) announced that no racing will take place in Great Britain during the funeral service. As a result the Scottish Grand National fixture at Ayr and the Dubai Duty Free Spring Trials fixture at Newbury will now take place on Sunday (18 April), instead of Saturday. Racing at both meetings will go ahead on Friday (16 April) as planned.

Fixtures at Bangor-on-Dee and Thirsk racecourses will start earlier than planned on Saturday in order for them to finish by 2.45pm, and minor adjustments are to be announced for Brighton and Nottingham.

Point-to-point fixtures have also made adjustments; the mixed open at Flete Park has been moved back to 3.20pm, and the hound parade will no longer take place. The West Midlands point-to-point will start at 10am on Saturday and include 30-minute intervals between races in order for the meeting to finish before 2.45pm.

Venues that wish to pay their respects by flying flags at half-mast are asked to follow the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s (DCMS) guidance which states that official flags such as the Union flag and national flags should be at half-mast until 8am on Sunday. Any non-official flags should be replaced with a Union flag at half-mast.

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“Half-mast means the flag is flown a third of the way down the flagpole from the top, with at least the height of the flag between the top of the flag and the top of the flagpole. On poles that are more than 45° from the vertical, flags cannot be flown at half-mast and should not be flown at all,” states the guidance.

A spokesman for Burnham Market International Horse Trials (16-18 April) said the event will be observing DCMS guidelines for the funeral, including the one-minute silence.

“The flag protocol will also be implemented, with all relevant flags flown at half mast and non-official flags not flown until the day after the funeral. Riders will be given the option to wear black armbands if they wish,” said the spokesman.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

British racing bans Gordon Elliott pending dead horse photo investigation

Lucy Elder — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 19:41:24 +0000

Irish trainer Gordon Elliott will not be allowed to race horses in Britain while Irish authorities investigate a photo of him sitting on a dead horse.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) issued the ban today (1 March) using “powers under its own rules” to refuse horses trained by Mr Elliott to race in Britain, pending consideration of the outcome of the Irish investigation.

The three-time Grand National-winning trainer was pictured sitting astride a dead horse on the gallops, holding a phone to his ear with a hand raised.

Mr Elliott admitted the photo was genuine, following speculation, and said he “cannot apologise enough” to the racing community, to anyone who has worked with and loves horses and to anyone offended by the image.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) is investigating. Mr Elliott has said he continues to extend his “full cooperation” in the case.

“The action taken by the BHA recognises that Mr Elliott is licensed in Ireland, whose regulatory body the IHRB is carrying out its own investigation,” said the BHA statement.

“However, Mr Elliott has entered horses to race in Britain, from which point the British Rules of Racing apply to him.

“The decision to refuse to allow horses trained by Mr Elliott to run in Britain is therefore an interim decision which the BHA regards as proportionate in these circumstances.”

The BHA has said that owners of horses currently trained by Mr Elliott are permitted to transfer them to a different trainer and run them at a British meeting, providing they comply with the relevant rules.

A timescale on the IHRB investigation has not yet been given and the ban comes two weeks ahead of the start of the 2021 Cheltenham Festival (16-19 March), with just over a month until the Grand National Festival (8-10 April).

In an earlier statement, the BHA said it is “appalled” by the image.

“We expect all those in our sport to demonstrate respect for horses, on the racecourse, in the training yard, on the gallops, and wherever they have horses in their care,” it said.. “People who work in our industry believe their values – of caring for and respecting our horses – have been deeply undermined by this behaviour. On their behalf, and on behalf of all horse-lovers, we say loudly that British horseracing finds this totally unacceptable.”

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Horse Racing Ireland this morning issued a statement that said it “unreservedly condemns disturbing photographs”.

“This image does not reflect the care, attention and respect that race horses receive, and does a disservice to the thousands of people who look after their horses on a daily basis. Horse Racing Ireland notes and supports the IHRB investigation into the circumstances around the photograph,” it added.

“From a disciplinary perspective, the matter is in process, so any further comment on the matter or the detail of the case at this time would not be appropriate.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Efforts to save vital Animal Health Trust work H&H Plus

Lucy Elder — Sun, 17 Jan 2021 11:04:27 +0000

The demise of the AHT last summer showed it is not viable for a single entity to fulfil all its roles. H&H spoke to some of those involved in trying to find new homes for all the trust’s equine work

Progress is being made to protect vital work done by the Animal Health Trust (AHT) from being lost for ever.

The AHT closed in July after months of searching failed to source enough funding for a viable future and liquidators were appointed in September.

Stephen Atkin, former chief executive of the Racecourse Association, has been heading up the process of how to best save the AHT’s disease surveillance, disease research, diagnostic testing and expertise to the veterinary pharmaceutical industry the charity provided.

Although this does mean the charity’s services will no longer come under one umbrella, Mr Atkin explained that, sadly, the demise of the AHT meant that a single solution was not possible and they are now working to secure a long-term future for all areas of the charity’s equine work in the best possible homes.

He told H&H the disease surveillance work was protected as a priority, for the benefit of the whole UK herd, by moving senior AHT staff initially to the British Horseracing Authority payroll.

“We had to move quickly in that area, although it was difficult coping with an organisation about to go into liquidation, we moved as fast as we could, after staff had been made redundant, to ensure those services and the staff could still be available to the whole UK equine herd. said Mr Atkin.

“The thoroughbred sector was able and had the money to make that happen, and now that key service has been maintained there is a plan to engage more significantly with the non-thoroughbred sector. We want them involved to have their voice heard and, in time, to contribute to the service.”

He added money is part of it, but disease is a concern that affects the whole UK herd – not just thoroughbreds – so they want the wider equestrian world to be a part of this.

“We would gain from having their involvement, as would they,” Mr Atkin said.

British Equine Veterinary Association chief executive David Mountford added it is “great news for the sector” that plans to ensure equine infectious disease surveillance is centrally monitored are being developed. Meanwhile, a tender process took place in the autumn to find homes for the other areas of the AHT’s work, with 10 formal bids for the specialised diagnostic testing whittled down to a shortlist of five and further announcements expected in the early stages of this year.

Mr Atkin explained much of the diagnostic testing work done by the AHT is already done elsewhere in the industry, and so they are not looking to rehome that or “interfere with the marketplace”. The trickier area is finding homes for highly specialised work, which by definition has a niche caseload, often a slow turnaround, so the costs are high and there is “no ready alternative”.

“Some of the services of the AHT’s diagnostic team have been engaged while decisions are made on the future as to who is best placed to take that work on and where, so that gives us time to decide on what the best plan is for the longer term. I am optimistic about a good outcome,” he added.

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Equestrians who change lives feature in New Year Honours List

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 01 Jan 2021 18:12:07 +0000

A legendary former jockey, top racing figures and those who have changed lives for the better are among the list of those named in the 2021 New Year Honours List.

Bob Champion was appointed CBE for charitable services to prostate and testicular cancer research. Bob was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1979 and given weeks to live, but two years later (pictured) won the Grand National on Aldaniti, a horse who had overcome serious leg injuries.

Bob was appointed MBE after that win, which also led to the setting up of the Bob Champion Cancer Trust, as many of those who had backed him sent their winnings to the Royal Marsden Hospital. Bob paid tribute to all those at the trust, which has raised some £15m, for the honour, adding that he was very surprised but “absolutely chuffed”.

Outgoing British Horseracing Authority (BHA) CEO Nick Rust said he was very proud to be appointed OBE for services to horseracing.

BHA chair Annamarie Phelps said she was delighted Mr Rust’s service to racing and the BHA had been recognised.

“Throughout his tenure at the BHA, Nick has worked to bring people together and do the right thing for the sport, and he has never been afraid to make the difficult decisions,” she said. “The award also recognises the leadership Nick has shown in areas such as diversity and inclusion, and the welfare of the sport’s human and equine participants.

“It is particularly fitting that this recognition should come this year, following the tireless commitment and resilience he showed in supporting the resumption of racing through this most difficult period.”

Ms Phelps also paid tribute to Bob, BHA board member Maggie Carver, also chairman of the Racecourse Association, who was appointed CBE for services to sport and the media sector, and former Professional Jockeys Association chairman Nigel Payne, who was appointed MBE for services to British horseracing and to charity, “particularly during the Covid-19 response”.

“Our congratulations also go to Bob Champion, Maggie Carver and Nigel Payne,” Ms Phelps said. “They represent the very best of British racing in terms of sporting achievement, charitable and community work, and representing an industry that supports the livelihoods of 80,000 people.”

Mr Payne said the news came as a “great shock”, and it was “very humbling”.

He added: “I’m absolutely thrilled and excited, for myself and my family, and all those people I work with, It’s great.”

Riding for the Disabled Association chairman Samantha Orde, also director of English Federation of Disability Sport, wasO appointed OBE, for services to people with disabilities.

Alan Oddie, co-founder of Milton Keynes children’s charity Ride High, which works with horses to transform the lives of severely disabled and troubled children, was appointed MBE for services to the community in Milton Keynes.

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The charity has raised over £12m in 12 years, to support thousands of children, of whom 90% have gone on to full-time education or work. CEO Olivia Sugdon said: “Alan is a true professional and a gentleman. He has generously and graciously given his time and overwhelming expertise to Ride High for 12 years.

“With his wife Rachel Medill MBE, he has founded Ride High, and tirelessly committed his days, and nights, to help the charity transform the lives of thousands of children. I cannot think of a more worthy recipient of such an honour.

“We’re exceptionally proud of him.”

Mary Smart, who retired after 36 years as financial controller of the Hertfordshire Agricultural Society last June, was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to agriculture.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Record-breaking Hollie Doyle scoops three more accolades

Becky Murray — Wed, 23 Dec 2020 13:14:20 +0000

Hollie Doyle has added more accolades to her record-breaking 2020 by scooping three Lester Awards – as she is named the first female Flat jockey of the year.

Nine awards were presented at the virtual Professional Jockeys Association’s (PJA) Lester Awards 2020, which celebrate the achievements of jockeys over the previous 12 months.

Hollie, 24, was crowned female jockey of the year and Flat jockey of the year – making her the first female to win this award. She also took the Flat jockey special recognition award. She is only the second jockey to win three Lesters in a single year — Paul Hanagan achieved this in 2010.

During 2020 Hollie broke the British record for the most winners in a year by a female jockey, rode her first Group One winner, won the Sunday Times and Sports Journalist Association Sportswoman of the year award, and came third in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year. She became the first British-based female jockey to ride a winner at the International Jockeys Challenge in Hong Kong on 9 December, and this week she achieved her 150th British win, at Lingfield.

Champion jump jockey Brian Hughes was named jump jockey of the year, Cieren Fallon took the apprentice title and Jonjo O’Neill Jnr was conditional jockey of the year. Jack Tudor was awarded jump ride of the year with Potters Corner at the Welsh National, and Flat ride of the year went to Dylan Hogan and Wanaasah at Wolverhampton. Dual Grand National-winner Leighton Aspell received the jump jockey special recognition title, and British Horseracing Authority chief medical adviser Jerry Hill received the president’s special award in recognition of his “tireless efforts” this year in helping racing overcome challenges brought on from the pandemic.

“We’re delighted for all the winners and hope it clearly demonstrates to them the regard and esteem in which they are held by their peers,” said PJA chief executive Paul Struthers.

“Hollie’s achievement in becoming only the second jockey in Lesters’ history to win three awards in a year, and becoming the first female to be crowned Flat jockey of the year, should not be downplayed.”

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Mr Struthers added the PJA was delighted to be able to recognise Dr Hill’s work through the special president’s award.

“As well as overseeing improvements in the medical care of jockeys, including the expansion of on-course physiotherapy and offering one-to-one advice and support to jockeys who are hospitalised, his tireless and ongoing efforts to get us back racing, whilst ensuring the health and safety of the sport’s participants, hasn’t gone unnoticed by our members and this was their way of saying thank you,” he said.

“The Lesters are always a special occasion and in the absence of being able to hold an actual ceremony we can’t thank Sky Sports Racing enough for agreeing to host this live special as well as Racing TV for assisting us with the rides of the year footage.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Champion jockey ‘cleared of taking cocaine’ – but suspended for three months

Becky Murray — Mon, 30 Nov 2020 17:36:58 +0000

Dual champion jockey Oisin Murphy has been suspended for three months following a positive sample for metabolites of cocaine – but his explanation that he has never taken the drug has been accepted by officials.

Following a test at Chantilly racecourse on 19 July, the Irish jockey was told by France Galop on 19 August that his “A” sample had returned positive for the class A drug. On the same day Oisin arranged for an independent laboratory to undertake hair sampling, which came back negative for the drug, and denied ever taking the drug.

In a decision issued by the commissioners of France Galop on 27 November Oisin was told he had been found in breach of the rules and was suspended from riding for three months.

A spokesman for the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) said in the decision the commissioners accepted Oisin’s explanation that he did not take cocaine and that the positive sample arose as a result of unintentional, environmental contamination – but he must serve a three-month suspension as the rules relating to prohibited substances operate on a strict liability basis, and he failed to avoid putting himself into a situation where contamination could occur.

In a statement Oisin thanked France Galop and the commissioners for a “fair” hearing and for accepting the evidence he presented.

“This evidence included my hair sample results – the results of which I am making public today – and an expert witness statement from an eminent toxicology and anti-doping expert,” he said.

“Whilst I am obviously disappointed that I will still have to serve a three-month suspension, I am pleased the commissioners accepted the evidence presented and am hugely relieved to have been cleared of taking cocaine.”

Oisin added he “respects” the rules and decision of France Galop, and will not be appealing the suspension.

“Despite my relief, I regretfully put myself in a situation whereby cocaine has been able to filter into my system through environmental contamination and must live with the consequences. As a professional sportsman I cannot put myself in a similar situation again,” he said.

“Even though I have been exonerated from taking cocaine, I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to Sheikh Fahad al Thani, David Redvers and Andrew Balding and thank them for their support. I also want to thank my legal team, particularly Florence Gaudilliere, who represented me in France, Rory MacNeice, the PJA, Johnno Spence and others who have advised and supported me throughout.”

Oisin also apologised to the Qatar Racing team, his owners, trainers, supporters, weighing room colleagues, commercial partners and Racing to School.

“The next three months will give me much time to reflect on my actions but I will learn from this experience and come back better and even more determined than before,” he said.

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Trainer Andrew Balding said Oisin arrived at Kingsclere in 2012 and is “very much part of the Park House family”.

“I have been very proud to watch him thrive in the saddle but also as an ambassador for the sport,” he said. “Oisin is a kind, trustworthy and dedicated part of the team. I never doubted he was innocent but I know this will really hurt him and I will make sure we do everything to help him return as a stronger and better person.”

A spokesman for the British Horseracing Authority told H&H the organisation is a signatory to the international agreement between racing nations – and all signatories of this agreement must include within their rules a provision that suspensions incurred in recognised racing authorities must be reciprocated.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Seventh-placed jockey wins race after others miss out hurdle

Becky Murray — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 18:25:07 +0000

A review of procedures will take place after a race was ultimately awarded to the seventh-placed jockey, when the majority of runners were disqualified for missing a hurdle.

Confusion arose in the mares’ handicap hurdle at Fontwell Park yesterday (15 November) when it appeared chevron signs had been placed in a hurdle in the final circuit resulting in seven jockeys missing out the jump. The chevrons had been carried across the course in order to guide riders around pulled-up horse Bluebell Sally, who was receiving veterinary treatment.

Welsh jockey Jack Tudor on the Clare Hobson-trained Dharma Rain was the only rider to jump the obstacle, so he was awarded the win, instead of the first-home Harry Reed on Just Henny.

A stewards’ report said an enquiry was held to establish the placings owing to the fact all the riders, except Jack and Sean Houlihan on Bluebell Sally, bypassed the third flight from home on the final circuit.

Jockeys Jeremiah McGrath, Brendan Powell, Page Fuller, Lucy Gardner, Harry Reed, Tabitha Worsley, and Niall Houlihan were interviewed, as were the clerk of course, the head groundsman and an additional member of the ground staff. After listening to the evidence and watching recordings of the incident, the stewards revised the placings, awarding Jack the win while all other runners were disqualified for taking the wrong course.

“Taking into account, on this occasion the poor visibility, and the illusion that the chevrons had been placed in the hurdle – which was caused by the chevrons being carried across the course behind the hurdle, which gave riders cause for concern for the safety of all involved – no penalties were imposed on any rider,” read the report.

In a post-race interview with At The Races when describing what happened Jack said it had been “very unclear” whether the hurdle was included or not.

“It looked like that hurdle could have been out very easily, it was a 50/50,” he said.

Although he had seen the other riders go round the fence, Jack jumped the hurdle, adding that there was “nothing on the fence”.

“I thought I will go with my gut instinct and jump it,” he said.

A spokesman for the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) told H&H a report of the incident had been forwarded to the BHA’s head office for further consideration, including whether any further regulatory action needs to be taken.

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“The BHA will also work with the racecourse to understand what caused the incident and what the course can do to ensure that a repeat does not occur,” he said.

A spokesman for Arena Racing Company (ARC), which owns Fontwell Park, told H&H ARC is in the process of undertaking a full review of the procedures that were adopted to guide runners around a horse receiving veterinary treatment.

“Regardless of the outcome of this investigation, as a goodwill gesture to the owners of the horses that were subsequently disqualified, ARC will pay the equivalent of the prize money to the first four horses past the post and the applicable appearance money scheme to the remaining runners,” he said.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Feed contamination update: more major companies affected

Becky Murray — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 17:50:19 +0000

Major feed companies that distribute in the UK have confirmed a number of their products have been affected by contamination with the banned substance zilpaterol.

Yesterday (21 October) British Equestrian (BEF) said it had been made aware that “several” feed companies may have products contaminated with banned substance zilpaterol, which was in a shipment of molasses used in the manufacturing process.

The news comes after Gain horse feeds’ announcement at the beginning of the month on suspected zilpaterol contamination of some of its products. Zilpaterol is used as a feed additive in the USA and other countries to promote weight gain, mainly in cattle. It is not approved for use in Europe.

Today (22 October) the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) said it wanted to clarify the situation on behalf of its horse feed manufacturing members.

BETA said the companies affected by the contamination that have been confirmed to date are Allen & Page, Baileys Horse Feeds, Hilight Horse Feeds, Honeychop Horse Feeds, Saracen Horse Feeds, and Spillers, Winergy and Pegasus.

A spokesman for BETA said unless horses are participating in affiliated competitions and could be subject to dope tests, these feeds are safe to use.

“It has very recently been confirmed that the cane molasses containing zilpaterol hydrochloride supplied by ED&F Man Ltd into Ireland did then enter the UK some months ago and was supplied to a few equine feed companies. In that period there have only been positives detected under the rules of racing in France from feed originating from one Irish company,” read the BETA statement.

“In the absence of any confirmatory analysis from ED&F Man Ltd as to whether and/or what levels of zilpaterol were in any molasses supplied into companies, once aware that the contamination may have affected the UK supply, all companies took precautionary measures and stopped using the shipment of molasses in question and replaced it with an alternative source or another raw material.”

The spokesman said BETA has been working with its members in their efforts to identify the nature and scale of the contamination, that has been “beyond their control”.

“All have tried to act in the best interests of their customers to deal with an impossible situation. A number of these companies are in direct contact with their known clients to advise on the situation and provide any advice and instructions they can,” he said.

“ED&F contacted companies to confirm the material was contaminated but at lower levels than was the case in Ireland.”

The spokesman added that BETA had received confirmation from the UK’s Food Standards Agency that it was taking no further action due to the very low concentrations in the feed, which are not considered significant in terms of feed safety and are not a risk to equine health.

“The level of zilpaterol which has been found in feed was less than one part per billion, well below the level which would trigger food or feed safety considerations,” he said.”

The statement said the racing and sporting regulatory bodies have “different priorities” from BETA’s feed regulators and so while posing no health risks to horses, it is prohibited for horses competing under rules.

“The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has offered a seven-day moratorium in racing during which any horse that returns a positive result for zilpaterol through raceday, out-of-racing or elective testing will not be subject to BHA regulatory action, provided the positive sample is consistent with the feed contamination.

“Elective testing undertaken through the BHA has indicated that zilpaterol is not present in horses that had contaminated feed withdrawn for four clear days. Investigations are ongoing, so this is not yet considered a confirmed withdrawal period for the substance.”

In a statement on 11 October Gain Equine Nutrition said that ED&F had issued an “urgent action and recall notice” recalling products suspected of containing “minute traces” of zilpaterol. The notice added that although initial levels detected are extremely low, the substance in question is banned in the EU.

The BEF said as a banned substance, zilpaterol may be detected in samples taken from horses competing under FEI discipline member body rules, where the FEI and/or BEF anti-doping rules will apply, and subsequent penalties could be imposed in the case of any positive samples.

“Riders of horses who are liable to be tested, and have not been contacted by their feed manufacturer already, should contact them immediately for any update the manufacturer may be able to offer on the status of their products,” said the BEF spokesman.

The spokesman added BEF is in “constant contact” with the FEI for further guidance.

In a statement today, the FEI said it understands the companies in question are contacting customers directly to advise on batches that may have been affected and to replace the contaminated feed.

“Anyone contacted by their supplier should follow their advice and, if required, stop feeding any potentially affected product immediately. They should also ensure that all feed equipment (bowls, scoops, bins etc.) that may have contained any contaminated product is cleaned thoroughly with detergent and plenty of water.”

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The spokesman added that in line with the FEI’s previous advice, it is strongly advised horses that may have inadvertently ingested zilpaterol are withdrawn from competition.

H&H has contacted ED&F for comment.

The products affected are:

Allen & Page products made up to 10 October:

Stud & young stock mix
Quiet mix
Herbal quiet mix
Old Faithfuls special
Quiet cubes & Sustain

The Allen & Page manufacturing date can be found on the white sewn in label and is shown after batch number in the bottom right-hand corner.

Baileys Horse Feeds range of cubes, primarily:

No.2 Working Cubes
No.4 Top Line Conditioning Cubes
No.11 Racehorse Cubes
No.23 Racing Light Cubes
No.24 Ease & Excel Cubes

Of these, only those with batches dated prior to 8 October 2020, which will appear as 08102020 printed on the bottom of the bag, are affected.

Hilight Horse Feeds:

Range of cubes with batches manufactured prior to 8 October 2020

Honeychop Horse Feeds:

A limited number of their fibre range up to manufacturing week (41) which can be found on the label on the front of bags.

Saracen Horse Feeds

Range of mixes (not the cube range)

Mixes with a best-before date prior to 8 April 2021 may be affected.

The dedicated Saracen line 01622 713 887 should be contacted with any questions.

Spillers, Winergy and Pegasus:

Mixes and fibres manufactured before 10 October 2020. All cubes and balancers are unaffected.

Mixes with best before date 9 February 2021 or before

Spillers Happy Hoof with best before date 9 April 2021 or before

All other chopped fibres with best before date 9 February or before

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Emergency fund to protect horses whose owners face financial hardship

Sarah Radford — Fri, 16 Oct 2020 12:16:44 +0000

Racehorses whose owners can no longer afford their training fees because of hardship linked to Covid-19 are to be protected from abandonment by a new relief fund.

The “last resort” financial safety net was launched yesterday (14 October) by The Racehorse Owners Association and is being funded initially by The Racing Foundation.

Owners granted relief will have their horses’ fees met for a period of three months, enabling them to have some “breathing space” to decide the best future for the horse.

The Racehorse Relief Fund (RRF) is part of a package of measures proposed in April by the British Horseracing Authority and other racing bodies to help protect the industry from the impact of the pandemic.

A survey conducted at the time, to which 30% of trainers responded, suggested 77 owners were already struggling to pay for their horses. It was predicted that up to 1,500 animals could face abandonment — although this dramatic impact has not yet materialised.

Charlie Liverton, chief executive of the ROA, said:“This is about protecting horses and livelihoods. As the impacts of the Covid-19 crisis continue to crystallise it is clear that some owners will be financially affected and no longer able to sustain training fees.

“As a last resort, we hope that this fund will help horses, trainers and owners find a solution that meets the high standards of welfare we expect and provides some financial stability to training yards.”

Rob Hezel, chief executive of the Racing Foundation, added: “The Racing Foundation is proud to be supporting the RRF as the industry looks to minimise the hardship created by Covid-19 on its participants both human and equine.

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“Equine abandonment is a concern for the sport during this period given the massive financial impact of Covid-19. The fund will provide a vital safety net to protect horses and prevent welfare issues occurring.”

The fund will have strict eligibility criteria to identify that all other options have been explored and the horse is definitely no longer affordable.

Applications can be made by either the owner or trainer online at www.rrfund.co.uk and need to be supported by training and veterinary records.

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Calls for horse owners to help fund disease tracking service H&H Plus

Lucy Elder — Sat, 12 Sep 2020 10:04:28 +0000

The search has started to find a replacement for the Animal Health Trust’s disease surveillance and support services. H&H seeks the opinions of the industry as calls are made for all horse owners to contribute towards a service that will help keep our horses safe from a major infectious disease outbreak...

Following the loss of the Animal Health Trust (AHT) in July, whose work included equine disease surveillance for the UK’s entire horse population, steps are being taken to ensure this important service is available to protect the UK herd in future.

Director of epidemiology and disease surveillance, Richard Newton, and administrator Maire O’Brien were transferred to the British Horseracing Authority’s (BHA) payroll on behalf of the racing industry, to continue providing disease surveillance services. This was funded by the Horserace Betting Levy Board, owners and the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association.

The BHA formed an industry-wide stakeholder group, which has opened a tender process for a long-term solution for both the racing and wider equestrian industry. Applications close on 5 October.

The short-term fix and move to find a more permanent solution have been welcomed by the equestrian industry. While funding from the above will continue, alongside money from the Racing Foundation, key figures in the wider equine world have stressed that supporting disease surveillance is the responsibility of all horse owners.

British Equine Veterinary Association chief executive and British Horse Council (BHC) chairman David Mountford told H&H it is important for the health and welfare of the national herd that there is a “good, robust system” for monitoring infectious diseases.

“The thoroughbred industry has stepped up to the mark by ensuring the short-term continuity of disease surveillance services,” he said.

“It is important that everyone in the horse world, not just the thoroughbred industry, recognises the value of good disease surveillance and biosecurity as we would hope all quarters of the equine world would contribute to its future success.”

World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers told H&H the tendering process “is a huge relief, as was the BHA stepping into the breach”.

“The demise of the AHT and its vital equine disease support work was nothing short of a tragedy and a huge threat to the health of the UK equine population,” said Mr Owers.

“It could not have come at a worse time and is certainly ironic given the current global focus on biosecurity.”

He added the charity hopes the process is a step towards securing a “long-term, effective and economically viable disease surveillance service that will be accessible to all”.

Jeanette Allen, chief executive of the Horse Trust and BHC director, told H&H “everyone has a part to play”.

“Where we need to get to is an independent entity funded by the whole sector. If you own a horse, you should be chipping in,” she said.

She explained while equine flu and racing are important, they are part of a much bigger picture, with endemic and exotic diseases that need monitoring for the benefit of the entire herd.

“[Those diseases] won’t care whether it is a racehorse, a show horse or a hacking pony. The earlier we can have a system that flags these diseases to epidemiologists, the faster we can react to contain them,” she said.

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