Latest from Horse & Hound in Great-british-racing

Meet teenage wonder Billy ‘the Kid’: 11 facts you might not know about this rising star

Lucy Elder — Sat, 21 Oct 2023 07:32:24 +0000

As teenager Billy “the Kid” Loughnane caps his incredible first year racing with the champion apprentice title, H&H caught up with the 17-year-old to find out more about this high flyer who deserves to be on your radar…

1. Horses have been part of Billy’s life for as long as he can remember. “I started on rocking horses, then ponies pretty much as soon as I could walk and speak,” says Billy, who was speaking at a Great British Racing event ahead of Qipco British Champions Day (21 October) at Ascot, where he will receive the champion apprentice trophy. “I started showjumping when I was about nine or 10, and did that until I was 13.”

2. He has always wanted to be a jockey. “The first time I sat on a racehorse I was probably about two years old, I used to sit on them on the way back from the gallops while someone held on to them. But the first time I cantered a racehorse I was about 10,” says Billy.

3. Billy, whose father Mark trains from his Worcestershire base, caught the race-riding bug through pony racing. “I’ve always been very competitive in everything I’ve done – I’ve always wanted to be the best,” he says. “I won my first pony race, so straight away I had the feeling for a winner. From there on, I just wanted more and more winners. ”

4. His first racing hero was Sir AP McCoy, and as Billy became more invested in Flat racing, Tom Marquand became another hero. As a tall jockey, he also tries to emulate the riding styles of James Doyle and Richard Hughes.

5. He rode his first winner less than a year ago – Swiss Rowe, trained by his father, at Wolverhampton on 28 November 2022. Since then, he has notched up more than 100 victories.

6. Billy was too young to drive when his career first kicked off. He’s since passed his test and remembers Aidan Keeley as giving him plenty of lifts before he got his own set of wheels.

7. The teenage wonder rode out his claim in September at Kempton – less than 11 months from his first ride – and would likely have got there sooner had he not spent three weeks on the sidelines after breaking his thumb in the starting stalls.

8. One of his major first season highlights was riding his first winner for Godolphin, when the Charlie Appleby-trained Sapphire Seas won by a nose at Wolverhampton in January.

9. He already has his sights set on his next big goals. “I’m staying around for the winter, so I’d love to have a crack at the all-weather title. Next year, I’d love to get 100 winners again, in the season and first year without a claim. And if I can, maybe a listed winner on the board as well.”

10. Billy credits his dad and former jockey Stephen Davies, who is Mark’s assistant trainer, for his education in the saddle. “Dad taught me how to ride most of the way – obviously I had lessons with showjumping as well – and Stephen helped me a lot when I switched to racehorses.”

11. His favourite horse is the six-year-old Daheer, trained by Mark for The Likely Lads. “I used to ride him every day when I was there, from when I was about 13, so he’d be right up there as one of my favourites.”

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‘I hope he brightened their days’: former racehorse brings cheer and presents to children in hospital

Lucy Elder — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 18:02:42 +0000

A former racehorse spread festive cheer to children and young people in hospital by delivering gifts this afternoon (12 December).

Envisaging spent time with youngsters at the three mental health inpatient wards – The Croft, The Phoenix and The Darwin – at Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust’s Ida Darwin site in Cambridge.

The eight-year-old gelding remains with his former trainer, James Fanshawe, and is spending his retirement accompanying younger horses on the gallops.

“Envisaging’s visit to the Ida Darwin Children’s Hospital today shows the positive impact interactions with racehorses can have and the meaningful nature of human-equine relationships,” said Gabi Whitfield, head of welfare communications at Great British Racing, which arranged the visit.

“Racehorses go on to excel in a range of careers after racing and it’s fantastic to see Envisaging and the James Fanshawe yard representing racing in their local area.”

Great British Racing, the industry’s official marketing and promotional body, is encouraging trainers to take racehorses and former racehorses into the community more often.

Research conducted by the organisation this year found that almost one in three (30%) of 12 to 17-year-olds surveyed had never been in physical contact with a horse. A total of 84% of people surveyed say they feel happy when close to animals and 48% would like to have contact with animals more often (news, 1 September).

Claire Muscutt, secretary at James Fanshawe Racing who accompanied Envisaging today, said the team “love bringing racing to the local community”.

“Envisaging is such a friendly horse who really enjoys meeting people,” she said. “It’s been great to meet the patients here at the Ida Darwin Site today and I hope Envisaging has brightened the days of patients he met.”

Dr Nancy Bostock, consultant paediatrician at The Croft, added: “Children and young people who come to our units have been on such tricky journeys so having a positive experience and contact with animals is really important in their recovery.

“We are very grateful to Great British Racing for providing us with this opportunity to meet Envisaging.”

‘Putting smiles on faces’: ‘incredible’ horse delights school and care home in special visit

Lucy Elder — Sat, 09 Jul 2022 17:54:02 +0000

Racehorse Sigurd delighted care home residents and school pupils with a special visit.

The staying chaser, in training with Joanne Foster, visited Cliff Vale Residential Home and Ilkley Grammar School on 27 June to support the launch of National Racehorse Week in September.

“Sigurd is an incredible horse – he competes on the racecourse, but also regularly visits schools and residential homes, which has become second nature to him,” said Jo.

“I’ve never known a horse so able to relax and genuinely relate to people, from children with special needs to older people in wheelchairs.”

She added: “‘Siggy’ is wonderful in how he gives so much to people and interacting with children, who wouldn’t be able to see horses on a daily basis or for some of them, never in their lives.

“I’ve found a lot of satisfaction from being able to put smiles on people’s faces.”

Jo said National Racehorse Week for her is about how trainers can help people and give back to the community.

“These wonderful horses offer us so much more than winning races: they put smiles on people’s faces and can genuinely help people who are feeling sad, lonely, or isolated,” she said. “It’s also an opportunity for people to come and see how we, in turn, look after our racehorses.”

The visits came as new research, commissioned by Great British Racing, which revealed a disconnect with animals and the countryside among those living in the UK’s cities.

The research was conducted by OnePoll, which sampled 2,000 12- to 40-year-olds in the UK who live in cities.

It found that 26% of 12- to 40-year-olds had never seen, or cannot remember seeing, a horse in real life. It showed that 18- to 24-year-olds are the least likely age group to have seen a horse “in person”; 44% of this group had never had an equine encounter.

Of those surveyed, 36% could not recall ever being within two metres of a horse and 34% had never touched one. Almost half had not visited the countryside in the last year, and 9% have never (or cannot remember) visiting.

On the positive side, 59% said they would like to visit the countryside more often, 48% wanted to have contact with animals more regularly, 84% said they feel happy when they are close to animals and 41% of those who have not seen, or cannot remember seeing, horses in person would like to change this.

“Spending time in the countryside and coming into contact with animals is excellent for our wellbeing and is something we want to encourage everyone to do more of,” said Gabi Whitfield, acting head of welfare communications at Great British Racing.

“With over a quarter of people aged 12 to 40 living in cities never having seen, or not remember seeing, a horse in person, National Racehorse Week is the perfect opportunity to put that right, and to experience first-hand the outstanding level of care these beautiful animals receive.”

National Racehorse Week is funded by the Racing Foundation, with additional support from the Horserace Betting Levy Board, and runs from 10 to 18 September this year.

‘London is boring by comparison’: milestone racing moment for teen who started at inner-city riding school

Lucy Elder — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 18:47:19 +0000

A teenager who learnt to ride in inner-city London has taken a major step towards his goal of being a jockey by becoming the first Riding A Dream Academy student to graduate from the British Racing School’s foundation course.

Oshane, 16, from southeast London, learnt to ride at Ebony Horse Club in Brixton, and joined the foundation course in December 2021.

He was one of the first students on the academy’s Khadijah Mellah Scholarship programme, which supports young riders from underrepresented communities get into British horse racing.

“I loved the scholarship and really enjoyed the foundation course, but it was a lot of hard work,” said Oshane.

“You get up at 6am to look after the horses and are busy all day. I loved riding all the different horses, particularly the challenging ones, and I really liked a horse called The Gay Cavalier – I just liked his way and his intelligence.

“I went back to London for a few days before starting on my yard placement and London is boring by comparison – usually you would be busy the whole time in Newmarket so I am looking forward to getting started.”

Broadcaster Oli Bell, who founded the Riding A Dream Academy alongside Great British Racing’s Naomi Lawson, said they are “all so proud” of what Oshane has achieved and “can’t wait to follow his career”.

“I first saw him at Ebony Horse Club a few years ago, and for him to have grown into the stylish rider he is today and be riding racehorses is so exciting,” said Oli.

“Oshane is the perfect example of how the Riding A Dream Academy can support young riders into the racing industry and our hope is that he is the first of many young people from the academy who go on to pursue a career in the sport.”

The academy, funded by the Racing Foundation, is based at the British Racing School in Newmarket. Demand for its programmes, which include the scholarship and a residential week, have outstripped places nearly four times over.

It aims to help racing become more diverse and inclusive and to support young people from underrepresented communities, disadvantaged backgrounds and diverse ethnic backgrounds get into racing.

‘I didn’t want it to be a one off’: rider breaks British record for second time

Becky Murray — Sun, 18 Oct 2020 16:03:51 +0000

Top female jockey Hollie Doyle has broken the British record she set in 2019 in a “tremendous feat”.

The 23-year-old has set a new record for wins achieved by a woman during a calendar year after riding her 117th victory in 2020 with State Occasion at Kempton Park on 14 October. Hollie broke Josephine Gordon’s record of 106 wins last year when she reached 116 winners on 5 December.

A spokesman for Great British Racing said Hollie’s tremendous feat is “even more impressive” given that she has broken the record in fewer days, with the sport being suspended for 75 days between March and June owing to the pandemic.

“When I broke the record last year in the back of my mind I was always thinking about breaking it again this year, as I didn’t want it to be a one off, so I’m delighted to have achieved that goal,” said Hollie, who became the third woman to ride a winner at Royal Ascot with Scarlet Dragon in the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes.

“When you think that we also missed two months of racing this year, it is amazing that I have been able to do it so quickly. I want to thank all the owners and trainers that have supported me throughout this year, without them, none of this would have been possible.”

Hollie has enjoyed a successful season claiming maiden Group victories in the Group Two Princess of Wale’s Tattersalls Stakes at Newmarket on 9 July, and the Group Three BetVictor Rose of Lancaster Stakes at Haydock Park on 8 August on Extra Elusive.

Article continued below…

Jockey Hollie Doyle in the parade ring ahead of the Princess Elizabeth Stakes during Derby Day of the Investec Derby Festival 2019 at Epsom Downs Racecourse. Photo credit should read: Barrington Coombs/The Jockey Club via PA Images (Image credit: The Jockey Club via PA Images)

#VoteHollie: 9 things you need to know about record-breaking jockey Hollie Doyle & how to vote for her to become BBC Sports Personality of the Year

Find out more about this shining star of the weighing room

(Image credit: The Jockey Club via PA Images)

Rider breaks records with five wins in one day

Hollie Doyle smashed more records this week, becoming the first woman to ride five winners in a day under Rules

(Image credit: The Jockey Club via PA Images)

She also won the Group Three Gallagher Group Winter Hill Stakes at Windsor on 29 August, the same day she made history recording five winners, before following up with a treble on 30 August.

ITV racing presenter Francesca Cumani said: “I have made the point many times that I think gender is irrelevant when it comes to jockeys. For too long, female riders have not had the same opportunities as their male counterparts and have not had the chance to show the extent of their skills.

“Hollie has proven that when given an opening she can be just as capable, if not more than any of her colleagues. She is pocket sized but has talent for horses big and small that you can’t measure. Her humility and affability hold her in great stead for further successes and more records.”

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.

Cheltenham Festival winner takes on World Cup rugby player in fitness head-to-head

Becky Murray — Sun, 24 Feb 2019 11:03:24 +0000

A jockey and a rugby player have gone head to head in a series of fitness challenges.

Two-time Grade 1-winning jockey Lizzie Kelly, 25, took on Harlequins Ladies’ captain and Rugby World Cup winner Rachael Burford, 32, in the latest episode of the Great British Racing “Jockey VS” series which aims to showcase the fitness of racing athletes against other sporting stars.

The athletes can be seen taking part in a plank challenge, a vertical jump, a 30-second wattbike test, which measures the power output in watts, and a session on a equiciser, a mechanical horse.

NB: Please wait while the video loads below… if the video does not appear, click here to watch

A spokesman for Great British Racing said both athletes were expected to perform well in the plank.

‘Kelly and Burford were expected to perform well in this exercise as both require a huge amount of core strength to be successful in their respective sports. The Harlequins Ladies centre outlasted the Grade 1-winning jockey after an impressive three-minute hold from both athletes to take a 1-0 lead,” he said.

“Turning the tables on Burford, Kelly then produced a giant leap in her final effort of three in the vertical jump. The distance between Kelly’s standing height and her jump was measured as 0.49cm, leapfrogging Burford’s effort of 0.47cm and drawing her level in the contest at 1-1.”

Lizzie beat Rachael on the wattbike test, achieving 4.70W/kg against Rachael’s 4.47 W/kg. Lizzie completed two minutes on equiciser at a heart rate of 120bpm but because of her experience as a jockey Rachael’s one minute on the equiciser at a heart rate of 120bpm was seen as the winner, bringing the overall contest to a draw.

Lizzie, who won the handicap chase on Coo Star Sivola at the Cheltenham Festival last year, said: “I hope I showed to people the fitness and strength that jockeys have to have in order to compete on a daily basis. In sports like rugby, professionals have a lot more coaching and training than jockeys do, so I imagined before that Rachael was likely to beat me. It was nice to see that I could hold my own against someone who has represented her country more than 80 times in a sport like rugby.”

Rachael who is part of the England women’s Six Nations squad, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed pitting myself against Lizzie in this set of fitness challenges. As an elite athlete, I relish competition, and to be able to go against a top-class competitor from a different sport was extremely exciting. Lizzie showed the kind of shape you have to be in to be a top jockey and she certainly opened my eyes to the challenges that her training programme provides – of course I’m talking about the equiciser. I wish her the best of luck for the rest of the season.”

Yariv Kam, fitness coach at the British Racing School, said the challenge demonstrates the qualities and level of “peak fitness” jockeys need to compete.

“In terms of the challenges themselves, for Lizzie to win the vertical jump and the wattbike emphasises that jockeys really do need strong legs, it is so important on the horse for jockeys to keep their legs working in order to hold a streamlined position with their core and upper body,” he said.

“Finally, what an effort to see Rachael stay on the equiciser for a minute at that sort of level. We find here at the British Racing School that people really struggle on the equiciser on their first time of giving it a go, so that was really impressive.

“Congratulations to both Lizzie and Rachael on their amazing performance.”

Remembering the war horses, 100 years on

Becky Murray — Sat, 10 Nov 2018 07:03:22 +0000

Two British racecourses are to play a video to commemorate the war horses and cavalry who lost their lives during World War I.

The video, called “100 years on – Remembering the horses of World War I” produced by Great British Racing, will feature historic equine images from the war and will be played at Ffos Las and Sandown Park racecourses on Sunday (11 November).

National hunt jockey Tom Scudamore said he will be thinking of the animals and men who fought, including his great grandfather Geoffrey Scudamore, who was a radio operator in the RAF during the Second World War: “It’s phenomenal that during those wars, men and women were willing to sacrifice their lives for the greater good. Some paid the ultimate price, for us to live our day-to-day lives, and it’s only right that we pay our respects this Sunday, 100 years on from World War I.”

Geoffrey Scudamore was a successful amateur rider before the war broke out. Geoffrey‘s plane was shot down and he spent two years in a prisoner of war camp, during which time their family had no idea where he was. Tom said his grandfather, the late jockey Michael Scudamore, shared the story with him and spoke of the tremendous courage of these young men.

(Image credit: Great British Racing)

Remembering the horses in war time: why help is needed now

SPANA’s campaign remembers the millions of animals killed in conflicts and highlights the work ongoing today to help animals caught

(Image credit: Great British Racing)

‘Last Hurrah’: Military riders honour the fallen of the Great War

Military riders and cyclists have taken part in a 100km ride across Europe to mark a century since the end

(Image credit: Great British Racing)

Tom added added that the contribution of horses during the First World War cannot be understated, especially with the horrors they had to face.

“I feel enormous respect for those horses. You can only have the strongest admiration for the people and animals that were in active service. That’s why racedays like Sandown and Ffos Las on Sunday are important.”

In recognition of 100 years since the end of the First World War, both racecourses will observe a two-minute silence at 11am before racing starts.

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Top jockeys get into the Christmas spirit with charity jumpers

Lucy Elder — Sat, 28 Nov 2015 10:55:27 +0000

An equine charity is set to benefit from a festive fashion range produced by the Racing Post.

Top jockeys Frankie Dettori and H&H columnist Richard Johnson are backing the #Jumpers4Horses campaign, which is raising money for Retraining of Racehorses (RoR).

The Christmas knitwear comes in four styles — Nordic red, Nordic green, Sam the snowman and winter racecourse.

(Image credit: Mick Atkins)

Last year the stylish selection sold out in just 48 hours.

Three-time champion Flat jockey Frankie, who also won this year’s Derby and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, said he is sure the range is going to be a big hit.

“Christmas jumpers have become as typically British as talking about the weather, queueing, and drinking tea,” he said.

“They might be a novelty item but they are raising money for a very valuable cause – take my advice and get them while you can.”

The Racing Post is hoping to raise more than £5,000 for RoR with its snug yuletide collection.

RoR is British horseracing’s official charity for the welfare of horses who have retired from racing.

“This is a fantastic campaign that will give a real boost to RoR’s work to provide fulfilling second careers to former racehorses — the jumpers have got to be this year’s hottest stocking filler,” said H&H columnist Richard.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Made in the UK, the jumpers are available through the Post’s website and are available in sizes small to extra-large.

Each jumper costs £17.99, including postage and packaging.

“The response we had to last year’s Christmas jumpers was incredible, and so we are unwrapping a new set of designs to meet public demand,” said Racing Post editor Bruce Millington.

“We are delighted to be able to support the special work that RoR does in such a fun and popular way.”

Di Arbuthnot, from the charity, said they are “delighted” to be this year’s beneficiary of #Jumpers4Horses.

“Not only will the activity raise valuable funds for the charity it will help generate awareness of the versatility and adaptability of racehorses and why we are able to give an increasing number new careers after their racing days have come to an end,” she said.

For more information, visit: www.ror.org.uk

Aspiring journalists called upon to enter prestigious competition

Caroline Bankes — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 08:55:47 +0000

Aspiring young journalists are encouraged to enter this year’s Wills Writing awards.

The awards launched in 1993 in memory of journalist and amateur jockey Martin Wills are for “fine writing (fact or fiction) on a horseracing theme suitable for publication in the Racing Post or The Irish Field.”

There are three categories: under 26, under 19 and under 15. The word count is 800-1,000 words for the older age groups and 500-600 for the under 15s. Entries must be typewritten and sent in by 28 February.

Journalists in the national and racing press and previous winners cannot enter.

The awards are judged by an eight-strong judging panel chaired by H&H racing columnist Brough Scott, twice racing writer of the year.

“Be informed as well as inventive, and the rewards will be great in terms of both prestige and lucre,” he said.

Other judges include H&H’s racing correspondent Marcus Armytage, Racing UK presenter Oli Bell and William Derby, chief executive and clerk of the course at York racecourse.

There are six prizes for the winners and runners-up in each category, with £1,000/£500 for the under 26s, £500/£250 for the under 19s and £250/£125 for the under 15s.

This year there is a new competition for the best tweet; entries should be submitted to @willsawards#comp using the 121 remaining characters only anytime until 28 February. The winning entry will receive a prize of £500.

The prizes will be presented at Newmarket’s Craven meeting on 15 April, with all seven winners given an expenses paid day’s racing and a tour of James Fanshawe’s Pegasus stables.

For more information visit www.willswritingawards.co.uk

Jacqueline Coward: How far will you go? [H&H VIP]

Jacqueline Coward — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 09:27:05 +0000

I’ve noticed in recent years that trainers are more willing to travel far and wide to win races. I’m definitely in that category when it comes down to championships!

Are people travelling long distances for the right races, ground conditions or specific types of track — such as a long, stiff track or short, tight track?

The furthest we’ve travelled from here in Yorkshire is to Devon, which is 6½hr in the wagon with four horses on board.

We did two trips to Dorset last year and we were really lucky to stay with the legendary Richard Barber who was fantastic to us and the horses — we couldn’t have asked for more.

It’s always a worry travelling the horses long distances and then expecting them to perform, but I think as long as they are fit and well, they can easily manage a night or two away from home.

On our journeys, we always offer water and feed. Amicelli won’t drink “foreign” water and when we went to Punchestown, he wouldn’t drink at all.

My mum (Cherry Coward) put down a bucket of Yorkshire water from out of

the wagon and of the two buckets he had to choose from, he chose the Yorkshire water.

Rotating dates

I often think that some people prefer either Saturday or Sunday racing. It might have something to do with the time of year — some hunts can find it very hard to get helpers on a Saturday when hunting is still going on.

One subject I still feel strongly about is swapping and changing meeting dates. Hunts and racing clubs should rotate their dates so that it’s not the same meetings on the prime money-making dates such as the Easter bank holiday weekend.

This would then give other areas the chance to make money, too. After all, our point-to-point meetings are continually reducing in number and we need to do all we can to keep them going.

One of the hardest things is change, but we must not sit back on our laurels — we need to keep with the times.

Ref: Horse & Hound; 1 Januray 2015

Racing names share New Year’s resolutions

Amy Mathieson — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 10:30:59 +0000

It’s that time of year again — it’s 1 January and resolutions are being made all over the country.

Maybe you’ll embark on a January detox, vow to go to the gym every day or perhaps just break that riding bad habit.

But fear not — you’re not alone in your good intentions. A host of famous racing faces are also setting their resolutions for 2015.

In a relentless drive for self-improvement some of the sport’s biggest stars have set out their plans for the coming year with a comprehensive list of New Year’s resolutions.

In a survey by Great British Racing, the competitive streak of the racing world was patently clear — with half of interviewees bidding to ride or train more winners in the New Year. Among the specific goals for 2015 are having winners at Royal Ascot and Cheltenham or, as champion trainer Paul Nicholls put it, “I’m just going to try to do better.”

Nicky Henderson has simpler aims, “I will learn to send a text message,” he says.

In such a health conscious sport, a more virtuous lifestyle is also the ultimate goal. Jockey Aidan Coleman plans to “start eating vegetables” while trainer Dan Skelton hopes to “drink less coffee”.

TV presenter and Grand National winning former jockey Mick Fitzgerald has a tougher task to overcome “I’ll try to convince myself that vegetables and salad are good for me!”

Here are the highlights:

Michael Owen — Brown Panther to win The Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.

Nicky Henderson — For the third year running, the aim is to learn to send a text message.

Jason Maguire — Ride more winners and eat less Terry’s Chocolate Oranges.

Aidan Coleman — Start eating vegetables.

Sam Twiston-Davies — Try not to swear so much.

Jamie Snowden — Train another Cheltenham Festival winner.

Richard Johnson — Go riding with my children more.

Dan Skelton — Train more winners and drink less coffee.

William Kennedy — Be more positive and more organised.

Leighton Aspell — Ride fewer seconds.

George Baker — Go to Church more.

Daryl Jacob — Ride more winners.

Paul Nicholls (pictured) — Try to do better.

Oisin Murphy — Ride in all the British Champions Series races during the season.

Mick Fitzgerald — Try and convince myself that vegetables and salad are good for me!

Tanya Stevenson — Drive a Maserati, even just for a test run.

New helpline for aspiring racehorse owners

Martha Terry — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 09:00:07 +0000

A free helpline has been launched to provide advice for aspiring racehorse owners.

Potential owners can ask questions via phone or email. Ownership advisor Matt Budden, who has 20 years’ experience of racehorse ownership, will manage the service and act as intermediary between potential owners and racehorse trainers or syndicate managers.

Great British Racing, with the support of the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA), has set up the dedicated enquiry service, which is being promoted through Own1.co.uk — a website for aspiring owners which already receives more than 1,000 visitors a month.

Richard Wayman, ROA chief executive, said: “Racehorse ownership can be the ultimate thrill our sport has to offer, but it can seem an intimidating journey for first-timers.

“This new service aims to provide expert assistance and impartial advice about the full range of ownership options, while also suggesting solutions to suit different pockets.”

Great British Racing’s Rod Street said: “Buying a first racehorse is, for the majority of owners, a ‘considered’ purchase, so any help we can provide has to be of value.”

The service is free for users, and is being part-funded by the British Horseracing Grant Scheme, in conjunction with the Department for Culture Media and Sport.

Email enquiries@own1.co.uk or call Matt Budden (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm), tel: 07884 866607.

‘Racing for Change’ to be a permanent function

Madeleine Silver — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 17:53:02 +0000

The promotional and marketing initiative “Racing for Change” — which seeks to broaden the sport’s appeal — will now become a permanent function under the title “Great British Racing”.

Great British Racing will continue the work started by Racing for Change, while also taking responsibility for the marketing of British racing globally, which is currently managed by British Bloodstock Marketing.

The aim of Great British Racing will be to broaden the appeal of British horseracing at every level, with the objective of increasing participation and revenues, and protecting and growing the thousands of jobs that exist within the sport.

It will be run by Rod Street, chief executive of Racing Enterprises Limited and British Champions Series Limited, who led the Racing for Change initiative.

Chris McFadden, chairman of Racing Enterprises Limited said: “First introduced as a project, Racing for Change is now seen as an essential promotional organisation, mirroring similar permanent organisations in other major sports.

“In this day and age, no national sport can hope to survive without a long term strategy for growth, or without a national resource to market and promote it.”

For more information visit www.greatbritishracing.com