The findings of 鈥� the sport鈥檚 largest ever customer research project 鈥� are clear: Perceptions around welfare are the single biggest barrier to engagement amongst our current and future audiences.

British racing has a proven track record when it comes to investment in the safety and welfare of its participants. 拢63m has been invested since the year 2000 in veterinary science, research and welfare improvements. Faller rates have reduced continually over the course of 21 consecutive years and the sport鈥檚 fatal injury rate has fallen to 0.22% of runners. The sport鈥檚 approach to protection and prevention of injuries 鈥� and responses when accidents occur 鈥� is now more rigorous than it has ever been. However, trust in the sport cannot be taken for granted from either the public, media or political audiences.

At no other time of year is this more in focus than in the period between the Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National, historically the period where the greatest spotlight falls upon the sport and its ethics and standards are debated both within the sport and the wider public, often driven by the sport鈥檚 opponents.

This is a debate that racing should engage with enthusiastically if we are to build and maintain trust. So, what steps does the sport take in this period to influence public perception?

Working with our industry colleagues, in particular the Jockey Club and Great British Racing, we take an approach of 鈥減romote and protect鈥�. We promote with confidence the sport鈥檚 track record and its ongoing work, and position ourselves as best as possible to protect its reputation if it comes under fire.

Promote

At the heart of our proactive approach to promoting welfare is the campaign, which was developed in 2024 and delivered jointly by the BHA and Great British Racing, alongside the Horse Welfare Board and with additional funding kindly provided by the Jockey Club.

HorsePWR is centred around two main concepts. On the one hand it is a confident promotional campaign related to welfare and safety in the sport, supported by beautiful equine photography which puts the horse front and centre. On the other hand, it is a resource of facts and data around welfare, which shows the sport is willing to be open and transparent about its track record, and is also promoting the significant body of ongoing work to reduce risk and improve equine welfare.

In the spring period the sport invests, thanks to the Horserace Betting Levy Board, substantial and targeted spend on the HorsePWR campaign. That campaign is up and running and is active in various locations nationwide as well as online, and includes:

• National newspaper advertising including Mail On Sunday, Daily Mail, Telegraph, Metro and The I
• Advertising in travel hub locations in major cities, including bus sides and display ads in prominent locations, including in Liverpool itself
• Major advertising sites at stations including Cannon St, Charing Cross, Liverpool Lime St, Reading, St. Pancras and Victoria
• Across the national rail network including London stations, GWR routes, Cross Country, Liverpool and Manchester, and Avanti
• Extensive online and digital channels including social media and display ads, utilising the

This year we have added to the arsenal of campaign messages with a new Grand National-focused advert which emphasises the ongoing evolution of the race while safeguarding the essence of the spectacle. We have also introduced stunning subtle motion videos which help the campaign stand out in busy commuter environments.

The activity is targeted towards the audiences which Project Beacon identified as being integral to the sport鈥檚 future, and the messaging is direct and clear 鈥� we are happy to speak about welfare in our sport, confident about our standards and the progress we are making, and open about the risks.

However, HorsePWR is not the limit of our proactive, promotional work and this year we are doing more than ever to ensure that the sport鈥檚 perspective is heard.

For example, major interviews will be appearing in national press including the likes of and BHA Chief Executive Brant Dunshea which will include speaking about the sport鈥檚 approach to safety.

Great British Racing鈥檚 鈥淭he Going is Good鈥� campaign also includes this year welfare messaging, again recognising the importance of this issue to our audiences.

Our colleagues at the Jockey Club are in regular contact with journalists and producers from all major national news and broadcast outlets ahead of the Cheltenham and Grand National festivals, inviting them to contact them or the BHA if they want to discuss welfare in any way. In addition, there is targeted national media engagement with trips to yards and welfare education projects in order to generate positive mainstream coverage.

This has the purpose not only of arming our national media with the relevant information and positive welfare stories, but also encouraging them to come to us for official spokespeople if they wish to debate this topic.

We will be writing to racing media and stakeholders sharing briefing and messaging and data packs, so our sport鈥檚 key figures are armed with all the information they need if they find themselves discussing welfare matters.

The BHA鈥檚 Corporate Affairs team have also taken steps to ensure that political audiences are aware of our approach to welfare. This has included writing to every single MP and providing them with a HorsePWR welfare fact sheet.

In addition to this HorsePWR has appeared in advert and editorial form in the House Magazine and Labour List 鈥� both read widely by MPs, members of the House of Lords and their staff.

We have this year written a letter in the name of BHA Director of Equine Regulation, Safety and Welfare James Given to every national and regional news outlet in the country.

On top of this, all our collective digital channels will be producing welfare-related content over the coming weeks and the build-up to the National, alongside all of the extensive efforts that go into promoting the race itself.

Protect

Alongside the sport鈥檚 front-foot approach in this period, we also invest a significant amount of thought into how we ensure we are best structured to react to any welfare-related issues that arise. Our approach is that, if there are issues, then we should be visible as a sport, ready to speak frankly, and provide the facts.

Senior spokespeople will be available from both the BHA and Aintree racecourse to speak to media before, during or after the festival, and the BHA, GBR and Jockey Club will work together to discuss any incoming requests and determine who will be the appropriate spokesperson.

We will also be deploying our BHA veterinary spokesperson initiative at this fixture. As is the case at all major fixtures we have one of a group of BHA vets on hand to be able to speak to broadcasters about welfare-related matters, especially in the case of major incidents.

This was put into action at the Cheltenham Festival where James Given gave interviews to and via our own giving some context to the sad incident involving Envoi Allen.

In the instance of an incident in the Grand National, or indeed through the week, the team at the Jockey Club will be responsible for the initial flow of timely, accurate information to the media in the wake of any incidents. Following on from this our spokespeople will be available if needed to speak to media. And if the situation warrants then we will not hesitate in ensuring they are visible on major broadcast outlets in the aftermath of the race, representing the sport.

Moreover, we work with a group of 鈥渁dvocates鈥� who are people from across the sport who are willing to speak on its behalf in situations where a spokesperson who doesn鈥檛 represent the sport鈥檚 governing body is more appropriate, or if we need extra support in instances where we have numerous media requests. Those spokespeople are well briefed and include first class representatives of the sport including the likes of Tom Scudamore, Kevin Blake, Sally Ann Grassick and Frankie Foster, who will also be publishing welfare-related content via . We are grateful to all of them for making themselves available on behalf of the sport.

Away from the National

This blog provides a summary of some of the actions we are taking during this period but it is not exhaustive 鈥� there is plenty more activity we will be carrying out via our public and private channels during this period, including also talking about the cultural and economic importance of the race.

Of course, welfare communication is not only a consideration during the spring period. It is a year-round activity and one of the priority strategic communication areas for the BHA, Jockey Club, Great British Racing and Horse Welfare Board.

Perception, trust and social licence will form an important part of the next iteration of the Horse Welfare Board鈥檚 strategy, which is currently being developed听 and will be published later this year.

We also have the sixth consecutive National Racehorse Week to look forward to at the end of summer, running from Saturday 22听– Monday 31听August. This is where the sport opens its doors to the public and showcases the high standards of care that exist within our training yards up and down the country. Racing is the only top-tier sport to open its doors for free in this way.

In conclusion

The Grand National remains an iconic race, by far the world鈥檚 most famous. It will be available to around 600m people worldwide, 150,000 will attend the racecourse over three days. It generates approximately 拢60m for the local region each year, and 13 million people will have their annual flutter on the race.

This profile brings with it elevated scrutiny, and it is right that this should be the case. British racing must show itself to be willing to listen to concerns, engage in debate and, at the same time, calmly and confidently proactively show our pride in the sport鈥檚 welfare standards and the race itself.

There was much to celebrate on our racecourses during 2025 with personal highlights including seeing some of the best racehorses in the world cross swords in the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot in October 鈥� the joint best race in the world last year – 听and then, a couple of months later, the sight of four of the best chasers around jumping the last in a line in the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton.

Whilst our sport, and indeed most others, face challenges, it is important that we don鈥檛 lose sight of how much pleasure racing continues to provide at all levels. Whether that engagement is through attending race meetings, watching from home, betting on the sport, or being involved at some level in racehorse ownership, racing remains something that a lot of people care passionately about.

In the autumn of 2023, we announced a two-year trial of fixture list related initiatives that were designed to increase the appeal of our sport to fans, both current and future. Throughout the trial, we have reported on how the various initiatives have performed. We obviously had to publish the 2026 fixture list several months before the trial had concluded and so we have already incorporated learnings within the policies that have been put in place for the coming twelve months. It is important, however, that now we have reached the end of the trial, we review how things went. This blog reports on four key target areas within the trial, supplemented by the year-end edition of our .

Prize Money

Total prize money increased last year by 3.5% to 拢194.7m (拢188.0m). This included a 4% increase at Premier fixtures to 拢98.3m and a 3% increase at Core fixtures to 拢96.4m. Prize money on the Flat increased by 3.1% to 拢135.2m (拢131.1m), whilst over Jumps there was a 4.4% rise to 拢59.5m (拢56.9m).

There are three main sources of prize money: the funding provided by the Levy Board which increased by 4.7% to 拢63.3m (拢60.4m), the executive contribution provided by racecourses by 2.6% to 拢103.3m (拢100.7m), and owners鈥� contributions from entry fees by 3.1% to 拢26.8m (拢25.9m). 听The remaining source of prize money is the BHA Development Fund, which totalled 拢1.3m (拢1.0m).

These prize-money numbers exclude other payments to participants such as the Great British Bonus, which paid out almost 拢6m in 2025. That includes a 拢4.7m contribution from the Levy Board, who also provided 拢750k for an Appearance Money Scheme that is designed to assist owners with some of the additional costs that they incur when racing on a Sunday.

Looking ahead to 2026, as part of the plans already referred to above, the Levy Board have provided an additional 拢4.4m in prize money as part of a 拢77.1m funding package.

Most of that increase will be targeted towards developmental races under both codes, which will see an increase in prize money of at least 拢3.2m, including 拢2.5m from the Levy Board. The boost in this programme of races seeks to incentivise ownership and make Britain a more attractive prospect for Flat and Jump horses of all levels to be based.

Novice and maiden races on the Flat are now being run for at least 拢10,000, or 拢8,000 for restricted races, while over Jumps, novice and maiden hurdles are offering at least 拢10,000, with an increased programme of novice chases running for at least 拢15,000.

Funding will also be targeted more strategically towards Britain鈥檚 higher-profile contests on the Flat and over Jumps, particularly feature races on ITV Racing, to attract higher quality and competitive fields and provide customers with an increasingly compelling product. Prize money for the Flat Black Type programme will be increased by over 拢2m to help strengthen Britain鈥檚 Pattern and Listed races, whilst new Jumping initiatives have already been announced or are in the pipeline.

Sporting performance

After delivering improved competitiveness in 2024, average field sizes in 2025 fell. The average on the Flat was 8.90 (2024: 9.14), and over Jumps to 7.84 (8.49). There was contrasting performance between Premier and Core fixtures. At Premier fixtures, averages have improved on the Flat to 11.02 (10.86), and over Jumps to 9.41 (9.22). Conversely, the averages at Core fixtures have declined to 8.65 (8.93) on the Flat, and to 7.63 (8.40) over Jumps.

These field sizes were impacted by the pattern of rainfall through last year. While overall across the UK, rainfall ended up being 84% of average, it was hugely variable with northern and western areas experiencing wetter than average weather with central, southern and eastern areas well below. As a result, we experienced lengthy periods of quick ground, but with some racecourses more impacted than others. Changing weather patterns will mean that periods of more extreme conditions are likely to become the norm in the future and we鈥檒l clearly need to adjust the way we do things to address this challenge.

The number of horses in training at some stage during 2025 fell to 21,728, which was 2.3% lower than in 2024. This follows on from a 1.1% drop between 2023 and 2024, and further drops in preceding years.

When we announced the 2026 fixture list, we focussed on our plans to increase the number of horses, particularly high-quality horses, bred, trained and raced in Britain. Various measures have been introduced this year, including a 拢3.2m increase in prize money in developmental races spread across both codes. On the Flat, there was an increase to minimum values in Black Type races, as well as extra support for four of midsummer flagship races with the aim of growing their appeal as domestic and international targets. Over Jumps, as well as extending the Elite NH Mares鈥� Scheme, we鈥檝e introduced the GB Pointing Bonus and the Training Fees Credit Scheme.

Whilst they will need time to have an impact, it was pleasing to see that the number of high-quality runners (defined as a horse achieving a performance figure of 90+ on the Flat and 135+ over Jumps) started to show more positive signs during 2025. On the Flat, the number of horses achieving this level of performance increased to 1,423 (1,398). Over Jumps, after significant drops in recent years, the number stabilised at 489 (490).

Looking to the future, our modelling forecasts that the number of runs in Britain in 2027 will be between 6 to 7% lower than in 2024, the last time we revised the volume of programmed fixtures and races. The BHA is leading discussions with stakeholders from across the sport as we determine what that means for the 2027 fixture list.

Racegoers

Attendances in 2025 totalled 5.031m (4.800m), the first time they have exceeded 5m spectators since 2019. This represents a 4.8% increase on 2024. The average attendance rose by 3.6% to 3,526 (3,404). These numbers have benefitted from a raft of marketing and experience initiatives introduced by racecourses, as well as The Going Is Good campaign led by our colleagues at Great British Racing.

Most encouragingly, the Racecourse Association has also reported that the under 18 count was 211,447, an increase of 17% from 2024, albeit not all racecourses currently include these numbers in their returns.

Betting

Betting activity has remained under pressure with total turnover 4.3% below 2024 and 10.7% below 2023. When you consider that the number of races run each year will vary for a variety of reasons including abandonments, the average turnover per race has fallen by 5.6% since 2024 and 11.6% since 2023.

Within these numbers, a very noticeable trend is that betting customers are increasingly focusing their attention towards the bigger racedays. Compared with 2024, the average turnover per race at Premier fixtures is up by 1.1%, whilst at Core fixtures it has declined by 8.1%.

There are multiple reasons for the stark disparity in the performance between our major events and all others including that there has been significant change in the profile of customers of betting companies, linked to developments in the regulatory environment such as the impact of affordability checks. More specifically, there are fewer larger staking customers, who have either stopped betting or are placing their bets elsewhere, with these having been only partially replaced by more recreational punters betting in smaller stakes, primarily at the bigger meetings.

Other factors contributing to this prioritisation of the higher-class meetings include that, as mentioned above, the field size trends at Premier fixtures have been more positive than elsewhere in the fixture list. there have been more races on ITV this year (with a greater number on ITV 1), and the absence of a major men鈥檚 football tournament this summer with the 2024s Euros having clashed with some of last year鈥檚 biggest race meetings.

Conclusion

There was much to be pleased about in 2025. Our major meetings and races performed strongly, and these events will have a pivotal role to play in attracting more fans to the sport at all levels. Attendances are heading upwards and prize money showed increases at all levels. Of course, there are challenges with the horse population continuing to decline and the betting environment remaining a challenging one with obvious implications for racing鈥檚 finances.

Racing鈥檚 industry strategy has been developed to drive improvements across all these areas. As 2025 has shown us, when there is co-operation with others both within and outside the sport, racing can look to the future with optimism and belief.

A reminder that any product advertised as being herbal in origin does not guarantee that it is free from prohibited substances. More generally, we strongly recommend that trainers only use accredited supplements that comply with the British Equestrian Trade Association鈥檚 (BETA) NOPS scheme. More information about this is available听.

We will continue to keep trainers updated as soon as we have more information to share on any of the products referenced below. For any immediate questions, please contact:听anti-doping@britishhorseracing.com.

HOMOPLUS

Homoplus (Peak Performance Nutrition) is available as a paste and marketed as a herbal supplement for use in horses prone to bleeding during exercise.

Several batches of this product have been analysed by the LGC laboratory, and this has confirmed the presence of GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid) in each of the samples tested. GABA is considered a Category A substance that is prohibited at all times under the Rules of Racing.

Despite attempts to contact the manufacturer and supplier we have received no response to date.听Therefore, the source of this substance in the product is unknown.

We are therefore advising that trainers听do not听use Homoplus, as the samples we have tested contain a substance that is prohibited at all times under the Rules of Racing.

LUNG XL AND HEMOREX PASTE

The BHA trainers听in November 2025 to advise against the use of Hemorex Paste and Lung XL, as our analysis of product samples has confirmed the presence of 20-hydroxyecdysone, a Category A substance.

罢谤补颈苍别谤蝉听must not听use or听possess听these products, as our engagement with the manufacturer has not been able to satisfy us that they do not contain a substance that is prohibited at all times under the Rules of Racing.

Furthermore, please ensure that these products are听removed听from licensed premises with immediate effect. If these products are found in yards, then they will be tested and the trainers will be at risk of a breach in the Rules of Racing for possession of a Category A substance.

These have been developed as part of wider efforts to make sure British racing is high-quality, competitive and engaging, and that we remain an attractive prospect for horses of all levels to be based and raced.

An area of immediate focus is giving horses sufficient opportunities early in their career, so that they gain crucial experience to help fulfil their potential, and investing in much improved prize money for developmental races.

This work will inevitably take time and patience, but with this year鈥檚 Jump season well underway, here are some of the changes for the months ahead.

The changes are only possible thanks to additional funding from the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) 鈥� with an extra 拢4.4m in 2026 as part of a wider 拢77.1m funding package 鈥� as well as financial support from key sponsors and partners.

For any questions, please contact the BHA鈥檚 racing department on 0207 152 0050 or via racing@britishhorseracing.com.

———–

Developmental races – increasing values & opportunities

Novice and maiden races over Jumps and on the Flat make up around 20% of the race programme and are where most horses begin their careers and gain crucial early experience.

These races play an essential role, not only in nurturing future talent on the racecourse, but in supporting and strengthening the domestic breeding market.

Given the importance of these races, they will be run for increased and more internationally competitive prize money values in 2026 鈥� with a 拢3.2m boost across the developmental programme.

More information about the enhanced prize money values for development races can be found听here.

Enhanced values for hurdle developmental races

An additional 拢1.1m in prize money will be invested in this area of the programme, with Jump weight-for-age Novice, Maiden and Juvenile hurdles to be run for increased minimum values.

No novice or maiden hurdles will be run for less than 拢10k in 2026, with Class 2 contests to be worth a minimum of 拢20k and Class 3 races at least 拢15k.

This extra investment is an important part of our broader approach in targeting areas of the race programme where prize money has historically not kept pace with other jurisdictions. Our aim is to make Britain an increasingly more attractive prospect for owners to have a horse in training.

Chasing Excellence initiative

Over fences, an increased number of weight-for-age Novices鈥� Steeple Chases have been programmed for 2025/26 with the aim of supporting the development of higher-quality chasers.

The new听Chasing Excellence听series started in October and sees more Class 2 and 3 Beginners鈥� Chases and Novices鈥� Chases replacing a significant number of Class 3 Novices鈥� Limited Handicap Chases.

These races are being run for a minimum of 拢12k in 2025, with Class 3 contests rising to at least 拢15k in 2026 and Class 2s increased to 拢20k.

These changes follow feedback from trainers about the need to give our Novice Chasers additional opportunities to develop their jumping technique in a more suitable environment.

It is likely that some of these races will have smaller fields in the short term, but the aim is to nurture our potentially talented horses and support their progression into higher-class company later in the season.

More information about the Chasing Excellence initiative can be viewed听here.

2026 Flat developmental programme

On the Flat, minimum values will be increased in 2026, with all Open novice and maiden races run for at least 拢10k (12k for stayers) and Restricted novice and maiden races run for a minimum of 拢8k (10k for stayers).

The additional prize money for staying races (two-year-olds at 7f+ and three-year-olds at 10f+) provides an added incentive for owners to invest in horses that are likely to require more time to fulfil their potential and, in doing so, helps keep a diverse range of horses in training.

The bandings applied to听two-year-olds of 2026 in Restricted races have been slightly increased in light of the strength of the yearling market in 2025 and following a review of the results of these races staged this year. The revised bandings are available听.

GB Pointing Bonus Series

A new Point-to-Point听听gets underway on 9 November, with the aim of strengthening the sphere as a key pipeline and developing ground for quality horses progressing to race under Rules.

The听GB Pointing Bonus Young Horse Maiden Series听features 15 races for four and five-year olds and is supported by an investment of 拢250k. Each winner becomes eligible for a GB Pointing Bonus in qualifying races under Rules.

The bonus, which totals 拢25k for a British-bred horse or 拢15k for a horse with any other suffix, will be paid to the owners of the horse at the time it wins its eligible race under Rules, as long as the horse is trained in Britain at the time of winning.

The scheme is administered by the BHA and Point-to-Point Authority, with funding from the HBLB and race sponsorship from Tattersalls and Goffs.

More information about the GB Pointing Bonus Series, including the full schedule of races to be staged on point-to-point courses during the 2025/26 season, is available听.

Improvements to Junior National Hunt Hurdles

These races were first introduced in October 2022 and are designed to give younger horses the chance to start their career over hurdles at an earlier stage.

It is understood that campaigning horses in these races often requires a change of approach, so the success of the programme is not expected to be instantaneous.

A longer-term view is being applied to these races and therefore a commitment has been made to extending the programme for another three years. This aims to provide extra stability and confidence for connections in planning their campaigns.

Following feedback, refinements have been made to meet the needs of participants and help grow the success of the programme:

– This year鈥檚 programme will start in November 鈥� a little later than previous seasons, giving trainers more time to develop horses at home

– A penalty for a win in a Junior National Hunt Hurdle will not be carried into other race types in the future, except in other Junior National Hunt Hurdles and Class 1 races

– Non-winners will be permitted to drop back to Junior National Hunt Flat races during the same season.

Full details of the adjustments to the Junior National Hunt Hurdles programme are available听here.

Requirements for Grade 1 Novices鈥� and Juvenile hurdles

Horses are now only eligible to run in Grade 1 Novices鈥� and Juvenile Hurdle races if they have been allocated a minimum rating of 110.

This can be achieved through a published handicap mark or if they have been assessed by the BHA handicapper to have raced to that level in at least one hurdle run.

The change 鈥� which brings these races into line with other Grade 1 contests 鈥� aims to ensure that horses competing in our showpiece events have gained early experience and demonstrated a suitable level of ability over hurdles.

Full details of the new requirements can be found听here.

Strengthening the Go North Series

The Go North Series continues to prove a popular initiative offering meaningful targets for connections and a spectacle of Jump racing in the North.

In 2026, the Series Finals will be run for increased values, with each race worth at least 拢40k 鈥� up from 拢30k in 2025. This will rise to 拢45k per final in 2027 and 拢50k by 2028.

We have also published several changes to the programme for 2025/26, with the aim of enhancing the performance of the series and attracting a higher number of Northern-based runners.

Full details of these changes and the programme of Go North Series finals can be viewed听.

Extension of Elite Mares鈥� Scheme

The Elite NH Mares Scheme will be boosted in 2026 with an additional 拢200k to increase grants for mares and widen access to mid-to-upper-tier-priced British National Hunt stallions, potentially increasing the quality of their progeny.

The scheme rewards owners of mares proven on the racecourse or at stud with subsidised or free nominations to eligible British-based National Hunt stallions.

Alongside wider improvements to the mares鈥� race programme, the scheme has helped contribute to a marked increase in the number of elite Jump broodmares in Britain 鈥� from 150 a decade ago to 300 at present.

Run by the Thoroughbred Breeders鈥� Association (TBA) and funded by the Levy Board, the list of awards of 2025, eligible stallions and award criteria are available .

Over the past couple of years, we have posted regular blogs that aim to provide a data-led assessment of the performance of our racing product. One customer-related trend that has become noticeable during that period has been that many of our biggest days continue to grow in their popularity whilst more run-of-the-mill events are under a lot of pressure despite the best efforts of the host racecourses and, indeed, others. Of course, this isn鈥檛 specific to racing with this trend being experienced in many other sports and, indeed, the wider leisure industry.

Beginning with our betting customers, it has been well documented that betting activity has remained under pressure throughout this period. Total turnover up to the end of Q3 in 2025 is 4.2% below the same nine months in 2024 and 12.8% below 2023. The number of races run will obviously deviate from year-to-year and so the average turnover per race is also an important measure. This has fallen by 5.8% compared with 2024 and by 11.4% against 2023.

Within these headline numbers, betting customers are increasingly focusing their attention on the bigger racedays. Compared with 2024, the average turnover per race at Premier Fixtures is up by 2.7%, whilst at Core Fixtures it has declined by 8.6%. This preference for our highest profile fixtures is undoubtedly linked to the impact of affordability checks with there being fewer larger staking customers, who have either stopped betting or are placing their bets elsewhere, and have been only partially replaced by more recreational punters betting in smaller stakes, primarily at the bigger meetings.

With decisions relating to tax harmonisation and, also, taxes on gambling companies to be announced on 26 November, the industry鈥檚 future financial position remains under a cloud. In the event that this results in the betting industry increasing margins, reducing promotions and offers, and/or closing betting shops, this would inevitably impact racing鈥檚 finances in the years to come. Colleagues are, of course, working hard to lobby the Government ahead of the Budget to try and prevent this scenario 鈥� for more information see the .

There are, of course, other factors influencing this increasingly polarised performance between our major events and everything else, including more races on ITV this year (with a greater number on ITV 1), the absence of a major male football tournament this summer with the 2024s Euros having clashed with some of last year鈥檚 biggest events, and, as is discussed further below, field size trends at Premier Fixtures have been more positive than elsewhere in the fixture list.

Turning to racegoers, it is pleasing to see an increase in total attendances, up by 4.9% compared with last year from 3.918m to 4.109m. Average crowds have grown by 697, or 5.3%, at Premier Fixtures and by 107, or 4.4%, at Core Fixtures. As well as the nice weather through the spring and summer, the sport鈥檚 national campaign听鈥楾he Going Is Good鈥�, which was launched in May, combined with racecourses鈥� own marketing efforts, have played a part in these improved numbers.

It was a great boost to learn that a new four-year deal to show exclusive, free-to-air coverage of racing from 2027 until the end of 2030 has been agreed with ITV. That announcement was on the back of more people engaging with our major meetings this year through the excellent coverage provided by Ed Chamberlin and the rest of the team. For example, five million viewers watched Royal Ascot across the five days it was on air, with viewing on the final afternoon up by over 20% compared to last year. The Cheltenham Festival saw its biggest peak audience for four years with a high of 1.8m on Gold Cup Day. The Derby saw its biggest audience for two years peaking with 1.3m.

The up to the end of September summarises performance on the racecourse itself.

The delivery of consistently competitive racing is obviously important for all of us that follow the sport. Our Premier Fixtures have generally fared reasonably well with the average field size at Flat meetings increasing to 10.97 (2024: 10.79), which is the highest they have been in recent years, and only marginally falling at Jump meetings to 9.93 (2024: 9.97).

It has been more challenging throughout the rest of the fixture list, with the average field size at Core Fixtures on the Flat falling to 8.54 (2024: 8.78), and over Jumps to 7.63 (2024: 8.52).

Despite the fact that a number of changes have been made over the past couple of years to the volume and distribution of races across the calendar, field sizes have suffered due to a number of factors including a lack of rain through much of 2025, 24 fewer abandoned fixtures during the winter meaning we鈥檝e run nearly 100 more races and, as discussed further below, a horse population that has been contracting in recent years.

As part of producing the annual fixture policy, the sport鈥檚 leaders, as a matter of course, debate the appropriate volume of race meetings and races to schedule. That involves having to balance commercial considerations, or in other words that races usually generate a net positive financial return through levy and media rights, with the impact of staging those races on competitiveness levels and, therefore, racing鈥檚 longer-term appeal to the public. Whilst it might seem a long way off, work has already started on the 2027 fixture list and, with horses numbers continuing to fall, there is clearly a difficult question to be answered about what size of fixture list will be sustainable by then.

Total prize money has increased by 拢4.7m to 拢153m (2024: 拢148.3m), albeit there have been 98 more races run. That increase has been spread across both codes (Flat up 拢3m, Jump up 拢1.7m), and across both fixture types (Premier up 拢2.4m, Core up 拢2.3m).

The horse population is declining at a steady rate. With reference to the number of horses in training on 30 September, we have experienced a contraction of around 1.5% each year since 2022. In August, we announced a that aim to grow the number of horses being bred, trained and raced in Britain. Such measures will require time, and more are needed, but it is essential for the sport鈥檚 future that this greater focus is placed on our equine supply chain. Of course, those horses will require owners and more efforts are also required from across the sport to support those who are already working hard to recruit and retain owners at all levels, both domestically and overseas.

Finally, with the customer in mind, it is encouraging to see progress in a couple of lower profile but nonetheless important areas. Non-runner rates are at their lowest since 2022, with the latest version of the non-runner rates by individual trainer having been published recently. 听In addition, the number of races going off on time is continuing to improve, with 82.2% of races starting within two minutes of the scheduled time. The latest version of our more of this by racecourse is now available.

That is the purpose of Project Beacon: the most in-depth piece of customer research ever undertaken in our sport.

More than 7,500 people across the UK and Ireland took part, making this a nationally representative study of how the public sees racing. It combined large-scale surveys with in-depth interviews, giving us the clearest picture yet of who our potential audiences are, what excites them, and what holds them back.

This provides a wrap up of what Beacon is all about, but for more info read on!

What we learned

The research shows there are around 25 million adults听across Britain and Ireland who are open to racing 鈥� people who don鈥檛 reject the sport, even if they鈥檙e not currently involved. Within that group lies huge potential. Nearly 17 million of them are either 鈥減otential fans鈥� who have never really engaged with racing, or 鈥渃asual fans鈥� who only dip in occasionally.

To understand these people better, the research identified eight different audience types, ranging from 鈥渙pen-minded rookies鈥� 鈥� younger people with little current involvement but who are willing to give racing a try 鈥� through to 鈥渟ocial stakers鈥�, who enjoy a small bet with friends, and 鈥渆vent lifers鈥�, who love a big day out and see racing as part of that. At the other end are 鈥渟erious betters鈥� and 鈥渞acing experts鈥�, the committed audiences who already support much of the sport.

From this landscape, two groups stand out as priorities for growth: open-minded rookies and social stakers. Totalling an estimated 7.1m people, both offer significant potential if we can engage them more effectively.

Alongside them, three core audiences 鈥� serious betters, event lifers and racing experts, totalling 9m people 鈥� are crucial to retain, as they already provide the sport with vital support and stability.

It also shows us who these people are, how we reach them, what motivates them and what their barriers to entry are.

There鈥檚 a vast amount of data that the project has uncovered, which we cannot share in full as it is commercially sensitive. However, this evidence base is already shaping a new consumer strategy for the sport, aligned with the wider industry strategy.

The barriers we face

The research doesn鈥檛 just highlight opportunities and what motivates our audiences 鈥� it also shines a light on the challenges. The public still has concerns about horse welfare, which remains the single biggest barrier to engagement. Many also struggle to feel an emotional connection: they don鈥檛 always see the stories or the personalities that could draw them in. And for some, the 鈥減roduct鈥� itself 鈥� the race-day experience or how racing is presented 鈥� isn鈥檛 always compelling enough.

These are serious issues. If we want more people to back racing, we have to face them directly.

The areas of focus

The research sets out six priority areas that the sport must focus on if we want to drive future engagement. These include:

• Improving the raceday experience and betting product for fans.
• Making ownership feel more accessible, at lower cost and easier to become involved in
• Shifting perceptions of welfare and growing understanding of the treatment of horses
• Demystifying the sport and making it easier to understand for newcomers
• Creating more of a structure to our racing, making the stories of each year easier to follow
• Creating stronger emotional connections to our races, people and stories.

Together, these changes are about making racing more open, welcoming and relevant to more people, while also protecting the core strengths that make the sport what it is today.

All of this work will take place while also protecting the sport鈥檚 current ecosystem and preserving what currently makes it great.

A head start

Beacon has also reaffirmed some long-recognised industry insights, while highlighting the value of initiatives that have already given the sport a head start.

The 鈥淕oing is Good鈥� promotional campaign, for example, closely reflects the main motivations that drive growth audiences to engage with racing. Alongside this, the HorsePWR campaign, alongside the inclusion of welfare messages in advertising, has reinforced the sport鈥檚 commitment to openness and responsibility.

Great British Racing鈥檚 efforts to promote jockeys and raise their profiles has been shown to be the correct direction of travel, with Beacon confirming that content focused on jockeys is the single most effective way to build connections with new audiences.

In addition, initiatives such as Premier Racedays and a sharper focus on the sport鈥檚 highlight events are helping to simplify structures, making racing more accessible and easier to follow. Complementing this, work on developing a simplified race card marks the first in a series of initiatives designed to demystify the sport and bring it closer to new fans.

All of these projects need far more work to hone and deliver them, and the insights from Beacon will assist with this.

What happens next

To take this forward, a Project Beacon delivery office is being established. Its role will be to co-ordinate work across the industry, set clear priorities, and ensure resources are directed to the right areas. This sits within the broader review of governance and marketing that is already underway across the sport.

This work would not have been possible without the support of the Horserace Betting Levy Board, who have been the principal funders of Project Beacon. Their backing has enabled us to build the most detailed understanding of our audiences that British racing has ever had.

Beacon in context

Beacon is just one part of the broader industry strategy, which also includes important work on participant wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and safeguarding the future of the thoroughbred in Britain. But it is a cornerstone. For the first time, we have hard evidence about how millions of people view racing, what excites them, and what puts them off.

The task now is to act on that knowledge 鈥� keeping our current fans while opening the doors to a new generation.

You can also learn more about the industry strategy itself.

When incidents or injuries do occur, we understand the importance of providing accurate and timely information 鈥� and the role this plays in shaping perceptions of the sport and its commitment to equine welfare.

That鈥檚 why the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is taking a new approach, with veterinary spokespeople available at selected major race meetings throughout the year to provide expert commentary and reassurance to the public when needed, starting at the Cheltenham Festival next week.

Why this matters

The introduction of veterinary spokespeople is part of the sport鈥檚 commitment to openness and accountability when it comes to our equine welfare standards. Racing is already effectively regulated and the industry is continually working to enhance safety and reduce reasonably avoidable risk for horses and jockeys. However, it is vital that the sport is equipped to respond swiftly and clearly to any concerns the public may have about welfare.

By having media-trained veterinary professionals available to speak directly to broadcasters and print journalists, including ITV Racing and other media outlets, we can ensure that factual, expert-led information is provided following high-profile incidents.

This approach is in line with the welfare campaign which puts openness at the heart of our welfare communication.

The interviews will aim to provide clinical information about the specific incident. This approach will help:

• Provide clarity and context 鈥� ensuring an accurate account of what has happened, based on known facts.
• Demonstrate leadership 鈥� showing that the BHA, as the regulator, takes responsibility for equine welfare and is committed to transparency.
• Reinforce confidence 鈥� both within the industry and among the wider public, that the sport prioritises the welfare of its horses.
• Set the right tone 鈥� responding with empathy, professionalism and sensitivity in challenging situations.

Who will be speaking on behalf of the sport?

At first the role will be filled by James Given, the BHA鈥檚 Director of Equine Regulation, Safety and Welfare; and Sally Taylor, the BHA鈥檚 Head of Equine Regulation, Safety and Welfare. Further spokespeople from the BHA鈥檚 roster of Senior Veterinary Officers will be included in due course to allow us to cover more fixtures over the course of the year.

When and how will interviews take place?

The interviews will take place with the racing broadcasters who are covering the event live. They will occur after an incident and allow sufficient time for the spokespeople to carry out their core regulatory responsibilities first, prior to engaging in interviews.

It is important to note that, to maintain the impact and effectiveness of the approach, interviews will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and discussed and agreed between the BHA, racecourse and broadcasters.

We can鈥檛 cover every incident or fixture due to the sheer volume of fixtures in relation to the number of spokespeople available, especially as our senior veterinary officers will be carrying out essential regulatory roles. However, we will work to ensure we can provide spokespeople at a large proportion of the sport鈥檚 major fixtures. In time we will look to further expand the pool of spokespeople and cover even more fixtures.

Preparations for the Festival

Welfare isn鈥檛 only a topic of debate during 听live broadcasts. We often see significant activity at this time of year 听from those who are opposed to the sport and racing has, in recent years, enhanced its approach and takes proactive steps to prepare for this.

The BHA works in close partnership with the Jockey Club in the run-up to their major racing events, ensuring there is a coordinated approach to media engagement.

As part of its preparations for the Festival, the Jockey Club engages with print and broadcast media, offering detailed briefings on welfare matters and making it clear that both the Jockey Club and the BHA are readily available for comment on important topics. This approach ensures that journalists know exactly where to turn for accurate information and expert insight.

Beyond this, the BHA and Great British Racing also has access to a trusted network of industry professionals who can represent the sport when needed. Incoming media requests are discussed and carefully evaluated based on factors such as the format, presenter, audience, and other contributors, allowing the most suitable spokesperson to be selected.

Depending on the situation, this spokesperson could be from the BHA, Jockey Club or be one of our industry professionals such as trainers, journalists, broadcasters or jockeys 鈥� either past or present.

By maintaining a pool of pre-approved spokespeople, fully briefed ahead of time, the sport can respond quickly and effectively to media opportunities and most importantly, provide the public with facts and reassurance when an incident occurs.

Visibility and accountability

British racing takes equine welfare extremely seriously. The introduction of veterinary spokespeople at major race meetings is an important step in ensuring that the sport remains transparent, responsible, and engaged when it comes to the welfare of our horses. It is about being present, visible, and accountable, about standing up for the sport and ensuring that racing鈥檚 approach to equine welfare is properly understood by the public.

In January, we鈥檒l publish a review at the halfway stage of our two-year trial of changes to the fixture list designed to support the sport鈥檚 appeal to customers. At the outset of the trial, we set twelve targets and the review will provide an update on how things have gone in relation to each of those. That seems certain to provide a mixed picture, but more of that next month.

In the meantime, we can publish the latest racing , covering the first 11 months of 2024 and in this month鈥檚 blog, I am going to focus on two elements within that report.

I鈥檒l begin with our aim to improve the competitiveness of racing during 2024. You may recall that involved scheduling 300 fewer Jump races and moving a significant number of Flat races from summer into autumn.

The headline field sizes numbers are included in the racing data report and show that average field sizes on the Flat (both Premier and Core) are at their highest in recent years. That is also the case for Core Jumping, although the average field sizes at Premier Jump fixtures are below their 2023 levels. More of that later in this blog.

My colleagues in the BHA Racing Department have worked with racecourses to make changes to the make-up of the race programme and better spread races across the year to support the delivery of more competitive racing for the sport鈥檚 fans. The latter has involved modelling the forecast number of runners through the year and then adjusting the volume of races to support field sizes.

The graphs below illustrate that, for both codes, this has delivered more consistently competitive racing. The graph below shows field sizes on the Flat with the blue line representing 3-year average field sizes across the year (2021-2023), with fields dipping in the summer and then growing sharply in the autumn. In 2024, however, we have been able to consistently deliver better field sizes, with the green line generally higher and less variable than has previously been the case.

There has also been improvement over Jumps with the average field sizes in 2024 illustrated in the graph below by the red line, consistently above the three-year average, represented by the blue line. The table also shows, however, the significance of ground conditions. 听The lower field sizes in the first three months of the year, when conditions were very wet and 78% of fixtures were run on soft or heavy ground compared with the three-year average of 48%, are a reminder that the elements will continue to have a massive influence on when and where horses will run, especially over obstacles. This will, of course, have had an impact on the average field sizes at Premier Jump fixtures, many of which are staged in the first quarter of the year.

Turning to one other area within the racing data report, I have said in previous blogs that the decline in highly quality Jump horses running in Britain is probably the most concerning of all the numbers that we report on each month.

The number of the horses that have achieved a performance figure of 130 or more in at least one race during the year has been in decline for some time and, compared with last year, there has been a reduction of 11.5%, from 729 to 645.

There will be a number of factors contributing to this worrying trend, including a much smaller number of Flat horses going Jumping as more are exported or running on the all-weather through the winter, the increasing commercial challenges associated with breeding Jump horses, changes to profile of racehorse owners with fewer sole owners and owner breeders, an increased concentration of higher quality horses in fewer pairs of hands both in Britain and Ireland, and the realignment of the handicapping file that, generally speaking, has lowered handicap ratings.

Working with various partners across the sport, several measures have been introduced in recent years that have sought to support Jumping, including:

• Changes to the Pattern and Listed Jump programme to help strengthen the upper tier of the programme, with races repositioned and, in some cases, removed entirely where other similar opportunities exist.
• The creation of Jump Premier Racedays has strengthened race programmes and increased prize money at these fixtures (up 拢2.5m in 2024).
• A long-term strategy over the past decade to grow the appeal of having a Jump mare in training, with the strategy particularly focussed on increasing the number of quality mares.
• Led by the TBA and with the support of the Levy Board, the creation of the Great British Bonus to encourage the breeding, buying and owning of fillies. Following the recent extension of GBB (which will boost payments to steeplechasing mares), this is forecast to lead to Jump bonuses of around 拢1.5m in 2025.
• Complementing the Great British Bonus, the Elite Mares Scheme is punching above its weight and encouraging the retention of quality Jump mares for breeding purposes.
• The creation of Junior National Hunt Hurdle races with the aim of supporting the development of young Jump horses and, where appropriate, encouraging more of those horses to run over obstacles at earlier stage in their careers.

There has clearly been no lack of activity, but we have to acknowledge that these measures haven鈥檛 been enough to halt the decline in the number of quality Jump horses. Bringing an end and, indeed, reversing that trend is something that is very high on our list of future targets and, therefore, not surprisingly the subject of ongoing work.

That will take time and require action on several fronts. However, with patience, perseverance and a collected effort across the sport, we are confident that we will turn this trend around and can look forward to seeing increasing numbers of quality horses in action over obstacles on British racecourses in the years to come.

Providing greater certainty and clarity听

Earlier this year we explained the general process behind scheduling additional fixtures and races and why these are considered necessary: principally to ensure an adequate number of fixtures and to meet the needs of the horse population and participants.

The changes we are now introducing are intended to provide greater certainty for participants and clarity to customers about why, when and how the BHA will decide to add an AW flat fixture that was not originally in the fixture list.

During the winter months, we will always look to prioritise the addition of Jumps fixtures, especially where others have been lost. But more often than not there is also a need to programme additional all-weather fixtures, either due to the horse population or the effect of adverse weather conditions.

Where we do feel there is need for an additional all-weather fixture, the decision-making process will now factor in the following:

Fixture volume

To ensure continuity of racing for customers, the intention will always be to ensure the following as a minimum:

• Sunday to Wednesday: At least one fixture per day
• Thursday to Saturday: At least one fixture in the afternoon.
  On a Saturday, twilight / evening fixtures may be moved forward to provide two afternoon fixtures in total during this session.

This means that whereas previously the approach has been to try and ensure racing for every session (i.e. both afternoon and evening slots), in future where a floodlit fixture is already scheduled Monday to Wednesday, no additional fixture will be programmed.

Where appropriate, the original fixture may be moved to an earlier start to ensure enough content through the day, while it will also be guaranteed that nine races will be run, either through a late notice additional race or through forcing a division if one doesn鈥檛 otherwise occur.

Geographic criteria

Where a Flat fixture has already been abandoned and there is enough time to add an additional fixture to replace it to meet the minimum criteria, geographic preferences will be applied.

The additional fixture will first be offered to be scheduled in the same region. Failing that, it will be allocated to the nearest region. The fixture will only be offered nationwide if it is not possible to reallocate within the same or the nearest region.

Rider restrictions

Where an additional Flat fixture is added on a day which did not originally have a Flat fixture scheduled, it will be programmed as a Rider Restricted fixture. This means that only jockeys who have ridden fewer than 30 winners in the previous 12 months will be eligible to ride.

A list of eligible jockeys will be published online and updated quarterly, providing additional certainty to them as to whether they will be expected to ride at such a meeting in each quarter.

This condition will also apply to any All-Weather fixtures added during the rider-restricted week of Monday 17 to Friday 21 February 2025.

Jumpers Bumpers

During the Flat Code Break in November, should any additional fixtures be required to meet the minimum criteria, these will be Jumpers Bumpers only 鈥� protecting this period entirely for Flat participants.

Conclusion

It is hoped that as a package this set of changes will improve the delivery of additional fixtures on the all-weather as and when they are required. The aim is to better balance the demands on participants with the financial requirements of providing enough racing during periods of abandonments.

Decisions based on weather and going reports will often be uncertain in nature, but we work closely with participants, racecourses and other stakeholders to try and make sure we get them right as often as we can.

If you have any queries, please contact us at Racing@britishhorseracing.com.

The revised whip rules introduced in early 2023 provoke strong debate, it鈥檚 an emotive subject for those who both support and oppose its use. The BHA has a clear position, the foam-padded whip is an important tool for communication between horse and rider and its use for safety and encouragement within a race is justified, with strict controls in place.

Adherence to these controls helps protect the fairness of our races, safeguard the welfare of the horses at the heart of our sport, help protect racing鈥檚 longevity in society, and contribute to ensuring that we can grow our fan base now and in the future.

Contrary to the opinion of some, we stand up for this sport. In 2022 we carried out the most extensive consultation in the history of British horseracing to review the whip rules because it was the right thing to do and the right time to do it. A steering group involved representatives from both across the sport and external bodies.

As a result of the consultation, significant changes were made to rules and penalties, but the thresholds for acceptable use of the whip were reduced by just one stroke from the previous iteration. There were influential people and groups, both inside and outside of the sport, who wanted us to go much further. We stood by our principles, advocated for the sport, and sent a clear message that the use of the foam-padded whip for encouragement is appropriate, but together we agreed that stricter controls needed to be put in place.

The need for those strict controls revolves around three core principles:

1. Fairness in competition: The rules set a clear limit on the number of times the whip can be used, ensuring a level playing field. The penalties for breaches are strict to act as a deterrent to overuse. These penalties are stricter in our more valuable races as data has shown that it is these races in which the rules are more likely to be broken.

2. Welfare of the Horses: It is critical that racing safeguards the welfare of its horses. There are clear and unequivocal consequences for breaches of the new rules because this is the right and responsible thing to do for the horse.

We would reiterate firmly that the use of the whip is appropriate, where strict controls are in place. The whip is padded and shock absorbent. But we also have a duty to acknowledge that the science around its impact is inconclusive.

Detailed academic reviews were carried out in 2011 and again in 2022 and the findings were the same on both occasions. To quote the 2022 whip review:

鈥淲hen assessing the scientific research into the impacts of the whip, the BHA鈥檚 2011 Review noted that, 鈥渢he evidence is limited in some areas and further research is needed鈥�. When reassessing this evidence in 2019, the Horse Welfare Board (HWB) noted that, while there have been some further studies since 2011, scientific evidence relating to any potential welfare impact of the whip remains inconclusive.鈥�

We must be careful to recognise the full picture as regards the science, and this is why we must have safeguards 鈥� something that is replicated across most other major racing nations.

It is our ambition to carry out more research. Some work is already underway and other projects being scoped, however the issue of the ethics of such research is a significant barrier.

3. Public Perception and Social Licence: The future of horseracing relies on maintaining public trust. No organisation can exist in a bubble or ignore what鈥檚 happening in wider society. This is not about pandering to critics who will never support the sport, but addressing the concerns of our current and future fans. It is an issue which is already affecting the sport, its fanbase and engagement. The use of the whip in racing remains one of the primary barriers to engagement.

Every organisation, brand, and sport uses data, insight and public perceptions research to inform strategy. This intelligence enables smart targeted spending, success measurement, and the ability to identify and track issues and reputation threats.

Nationally representative polling data from the likes of Savanta, YouGov, and Opinium carried out over the last 10 years and has clearly indicated shifting perceptions related to the sport鈥檚 place in society and the role of the whip in the sport.

The latest polling report shows:

• 39% of adults state that concerns about horse welfare discourage them from engaging with racing.
• The biggest welfare concerns are (in order of impact) deaths and injuries, perception of cruelty/use of the whip, and what happens to horses when they finish racing. of these:
• 74% say it has, or will, impact their engagement with the sport.
• 42% say they have either stopped engaging with racing or will stop in the future. This is not just a barrier to our future audiences, but our existing one as well.
• When asked what would improve their opinion, the public response cited limiting use of the whip (35%) and ensuring strong penalties are in place (35%) as the top two requirements.

The most negative perceptions of the whip come from younger audiences, particularly those aged 18-34.

As with most organisations, the details of such reports are confidential, are used internally and are not generally shared in the public domain. There are sensitivities in what the research might show, how external detractors might use it against the sport, as well as commercial confidentiality issues.

The concept of public perception is often dismissed, but this is short-sighted and it will be a catastrophic mistake for the sustainability of the sport if that view is allowed to prevail. Those describing this as 鈥減andering鈥� or 鈥渢he folly of public opinion鈥� should consider one simple fact: The future of horseracing depends on retaining and growing our fanbase. Without fans, there is no sport.

Education is often cited as the answer, and we agree that steps must be taken. That is why we included facts around the whip in the HorsePWR campaign. More needs to be done, centrally and across all areas of the sport 鈥� everyone can play a part. But we should not convince ourselves that perception of this scale can be altered by education alone, especially with the resources available.

Whip messaging in the HorsePWR campaign

Riding under the new rules

Since the introduction of the new whip rules, the vast majority of jockeys have adapted well. Their ability to adjust their riding styles, while maintaining competitive performance, is commendable. Many jockeys will have ridden many times with very few or, in many cases, no breaches of the rules.

However, breaches do still occur, and when they do, the BHA must act decisively. The penalties are firm. We acknowledge this. We appreciate the impact on jockeys. But history and data show us that firm deterrents are needed in this area of the rules to prevent breaches.

There is a significantly higher likelihood of whip rule breaches among amateur, apprentice, conditional, and non-GB jockeys. Fully professional jockeys have accounted for听78%听of rides but only听59%听of offences. Apprentice and conditional jockeys are twice as likely to offend as professionals, and amateur and international riders nearly five times. The BHA is actively working to better educate these groups to reduce future infractions.

Disqualification

Disqualification is the most severe penalty available, and it is reserved for the most serious breaches. The decision to disqualify Alphonse Le Grande was not taken lightly. The whip was used four times above the permitted limit, for which there is no justification.

Disqualification was intended to act primarily as a deterrent to offences. In around 16,000 races there have been only three winning rides which have faced disqualification. In total there have been eight disqualifications from 150,000 runners.

Secondly, disqualification is designed to send a clear message that we do not tolerate overuse of the whip. This is an important message which we stand behind.

There has been an understandable reaction to the fact that the disqualification decision, as with all decisions referred to the Whip Review Committee, has taken place away from raceday.

After the initial recommendations from the Whip Consultation Steering Group were published, further consultations and technical discussions took place with various stakeholders, including jockeys, participants, customers, bookmakers, and racing broadcasters. A prevailing consensus emerged from these discussions that decisions on whip rule breaches should not be made on raceday. This was especially supported by the betting industry domestically and internationally, as well as by racing broadcasters.

By removing these decisions from raceday, the Whip Review Committee (WRC) can ensure a consistent process and approach to decision-making. The whip review consultation showed a clear majority view that there needs to be greater consistency. The WRC is a small group of people, reviewing rides on a regular basis. We have huge faith in our raceday stewards, but through this system consistency is inevitably increased.

This process also allows for checks and balances, such as determining whether the whip made contact, whether its use was for safety reasons, or if a particular usage should be counted, using a consistent methodology. This has proven vital in several cases, where potential incorrect disqualifications were avoided because the WRC found that certain whip uses should not be counted. A ride being wrongly disqualified would be a terrible outcome.

Moreover, British racing is part of a global racing environment.听We rely increasingly on revenue that we generate as a sport听from product fees and betting in other parts of the world听through commingling arrangements.听In our consultation we didn’t just consult with our own domestic customers and fans. We consulted globally听and we received responses and feedback听from around the world.

Strong views were shared with us听by consumers and betting operators from other parts of the world,听and in particular in Asia and the Far East, that our disqualifying a horse for a whip-related offence on a raceday would be something that they would have a lot of difficulty dealing with.听To give that some perspective,听an amount equal to around 10% of our annual betting revenue听comes from 17 race days that are run by the World Pool alone.听That’s not taking into account the views听of all those other international consumers听that are involved in other commingling arrangements every day.

So, we had to design a solution听that struck a balance between the views of our domestic fans, broadcasters, customers, betting operators,听our international consumers and our own participants.

In conclusion

We reiterate that we understand the broad range of views around what is an emotive topic. However, the BHA has a clear position on this issue. The foam-padded whip has a place in racing, with use for encouragement and safety. It is a tool for communication between horse and rider.

However, there must be strict controls on its use, and deterrents against misuse, to protect the fairness of our races, safeguard the welfare of the horses in our sport, protect its longevity 听and improve public perception among the sport鈥檚 fans, present and future. This is why our rules are framed in the way they are.