The new cards at all three fixtures will replicate as closely as possible to the originally scheduled race programme. Full information will follow shortly on Racing Admin, but in the meantime the BHA can confirm new details for the running of the Cardinal Stakes and Chelmer Stakes.

The Cardinal Stakes will retain its date as part of the Southwell fixture on 23 April, however due to the nature of rescheduling a Conditions race such as this, it will be run for a reduced prize fund of 拢30,000.

The Listed Chelmer Stakes, originally scheduled for 30 April, will now be run at Goodwood on Saturday 2 May at its original value of 拢60,000, which is supported by ITV coverage of the race.

We are grateful to the racecourses involved and the Horserace Betting Levy Board for their contributions to prize money.

Following a low amount of rainfall in recent weeks, the decision to abandon the Steeple Chases at these fixtures has been made in agreement with the BHA Course Inspectorate to allow the Exeter and Taunton groundstaff the opportunity to concentrate all efforts, and available watering, on their Hurdle courses to ensure the fixtures have the best possible chance of going ahead.

For Exeter鈥檚 fixture on Friday, the two Steeple Chases will be replaced by a Class 5 Novices’ Handicap Hurdle over 2m and a Class 4 Handicap Hurdle over 2m 4f. These races will close for entries at 12 noon tomorrow, Tuesday 14 April, with declarations to be made along with the rest of the card on Wednesday 15 April.

Jason Loosemore, Clerk of the Course at Exeter, said:

鈥淲e were hopeful the rain that was forecast over the last 48hrs would materialise; however, we only received 2mm of rainfall on Friday and Saturday and with only 5mm-10mm forecast for the week, it was felt that rainfall volumes would be insufficient to make the improvement necessary to the Chase course.

鈥淲ith the current Going described as Good to Firm, Good in places, abandoning the Chase races means that all watering resources will be concentrated on the Hurdle course to ensure safe jumping ground can be produced.鈥�

The additional races for Taunton鈥檚 fixture on Wednesday 22 April will be a Class 4 Handicap Hurdle over 3m and a Class 5 Novices’ Handicap Hurdle over 2m 4f. Entries for the fixture will close on Thursday 16 April.

Patrick Davis, Chief Executive Officer at Taunton Racecourse, said:

鈥淭his decision has been made to ensure our irrigation resources can be focussed on one course as opposed to both courses, thereby ensuring that we can produce Good ground for the meeting.

鈥淎t Taunton’s previous meeting on 9 April, 60mm of irrigation was applied across both the chase and hurdle courses, with the resulting Good ground being very well received and supported by owners, trainers and jockeys.

鈥淲e have only had 6mm of rain recorded since 14 Mach, and with a largely dry outlook ahead, the plan is to apply as much irrigation as required to ensure that similarly Good ground is produced on the hurdle course for 22 April.鈥�

This fixture has been added following the abandonment of Chelmsford City鈥檚 fixture on the same day.

Wolverhampton will be staging similar races to those originally programmed at Chelmsford City, although some distances and prize-money values differ. Full details are available on Racing Admin.

In addition, two of the races that were abandoned from Chelmsford City鈥檚 fixture on Friday 3 April have been rescheduled:

• The Class 2 Mile Series Final Handicap will be run at Southwell on 7 April聽(entries to be made by 12noon tomorrow, declarations on Sunday along with the rest of the card)
• The Class 2 6f 3yo Conditions Stakes will be run at Wolverhampton on 10 April.

Both races will have a prize fund of 拢30,000, which has been made possible following contributions from the Horseracing Betting Levy Board (HBLB) and the BHA Development Fund. With the addition of these two races, no races will be permitted to divide on either card.

The BHA is grateful to the HBLB for its contribution to the funding of prize money for these fixture changes, and to the racecourses for agreeing to host.

The Chief Medical Adviser position has been held solely since 2014 by Dr Jerry Hill MBE, who announced his retirement in March last year. Dr Prior and Dr Ready will take on the role in a dual capacity, beginning on 13 May 2026.

Dr Hill will remain at the BHA for a period of time after Dr Prior and Dr Ready鈥檚 start date to help ensure a smooth transitional period.

Dr Ready has worked in British horseracing for over a decade as a Racecourse and Senior Racecourse Medical Officer, alongside senior clinical leadership and medical governance roles across the NHS and international motorsport.

Dr Prior has over fifteen years of senior clinical experience in anaesthetics, major trauma, pre-hospital emergency care and medical leadership and education. She also worked in several high-profile sporting environments including Formula 1, the London Marathon and Bramham International Horse Trials.

Brant Dunshea, Chief Executive at the BHA, said:

鈥淲e are delighted that Dr Ready and Dr Prior will be joining us as our new Chief Medical Advisers next month.

鈥淭hey bring a huge amount of medical expertise and experience to the role, and we expect their varied backgrounds to complement each other very well.

鈥淚 would like to put on record again my huge thanks to Jerry for his outstanding service to the BHA and to the sport, particularly our jockeys.

鈥淲e are very grateful that he has remained in post throughout the process of recruiting Dr Ready and Dr Prior, and will remain with us during the transition to the role being held in a dual capacity.鈥�

Dr Steven Ready said:

鈥淚 am delighted to have been appointed to this role alongside Dr. Prior. It is a privilege to take this on within a sport I have worked in for over a decade. Having seen first-hand the advances made in rider safety, concussion management and medical standards during Dr. Hill鈥檚 tenure, my aim is to build on those strong foundations in the years ahead.

鈥淩acing is a unique high-risk sport, and I look forward to working with colleagues across the industry, including the Injured Jockeys Fund, to ensure that jockeys continue to receive consistent, sustainable and high-quality medical care and support throughout all stages of their careers.鈥�

Dr Kate Prior said:

鈥淭he sport鈥檚 commitment to rider health, safety and continual improvement aligns well with my own professional values, so I鈥檓 delighted to be taking on the role of Chief Medical Adviser alongside Dr Ready.

鈥淚鈥檝e worked across a number of elite sports, including equestrian, and those experiences have given me a strong understanding of the risks, injury patterns and clinical challenges that come with supporting professional athletes.

鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to bringing that experience into racing and building on the excellent work done by Dr Jerry Hill during his time at the BHA and working with colleagues across the industry, particularly the team at the Injured Jockeys Fund.鈥�

The Jockey Club has this week that the final three fixtures of its 2025-26 season will not take place to allow for an upgrade of the drainage systems on the course’s home straight.

As a result, the card that had been due to take place on Wednesday 15 April will now be staged at Haydock Park on the same date. The Mares’ Listed Novices’ Hurdle that had been due to take place at Cheltenham on Thursday 16 April has also been added to this meeting, creating an eight-race card with the same prize money values.

Further to this, the following races that were due to take place at Cheltenham on Thursday 16 April have been rescheduled as follows:

• The Mares Novices Handicap Chase (Class 1, Premier Handicap) moves to Market Rasen on Tuesday 14 April
• The Challenger Mares Chase Series Final Handicap Chase (Class 2) (GBB Race) and the Challenger Mares Hurdle Series Final Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) (GBB Race) will take place at Warwick on Thursday 23 April
• The Fillies Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Class 1, Premier Handicap) switches to Sandown Park on Saturday 25 April
• The Mares’ Handicap Chase and Mares’ National Hunt Flat Race will be run at Wincanton on Sunday 12 April.

Cheltenham’s ‘Race Night’ fixture, an all-Hunter Chase card scheduled for Friday 1 May, has been transferred to Warwick to be run on the same date, in its entirety.

The Board made a preliminary decision at the weekend. In accordance with the BHA鈥檚 published criteria GMRL had the ability to make oral and written representations to the Board with legal representation.

GMRL representatives made their case to the Board on 31 March. Having considered the matter carefully and taken full account of the points raised, the Board鈥檚 position remained that it did not consider it appropriate to grant a racecourse licence for CCR to GMRL.

The reasons for this decision are confidential.

The Board鈥檚 decision means GMRL is not licensed to stage any fixtures, pending the outcome of any appeal.聽 This means that regrettably no further fixtures will be staged at CCR pending the outcome of any appeal process.聽This includes the fixtures on 2 April, 3 April and 9 April.

In accordance with the Rules of Racing, GMRL may appeal the Board鈥檚 decision to the independent Licensing Committee (Rule (B)19).聽 A request for permission to appeal must be made to the Judicial Panel Executive within 21 days of receipt of the decision being challenged (Judicial Panels Code, paragraph 105).聽 The 21-day time period starts from the date GMRL receives the written reasons.

The fixture that took place on 26 March went ahead under the old licence holder GLEL and with agreement of the administrator. However, the licence held by GLEL expired on 31 March and so future fixtures required a new licence holder to be in place.

The fixtures on 2 April and 3 April will not be rescheduled. Plans for future fixtures including 9 April will be announced in due course.

The BHA has worked tirelessly with stakeholders to deliver this week鈥檚 fixtures. It is regrettable they have been cancelled at such short notice. We recognise this will impact owners, participants – especially trainers, staff and jockeys 鈥� as well as racegoers.

Further updates as regards this situation will be provided as appropriate.

鈥淚t is disappointing that it has taken almost three years to determine there should be no change in the Levy rate.

鈥淭hroughout protracted negotiations British horseracing engaged with the Government in good faith, including providing clear evidence of a substantial 鈥� and growing 鈥� gap between our costs of providing the sport and the return we receive from betting.

鈥淔ollowing the BHA鈥檚 lobbying campaign, the Government in its last Budget recognised the vital cultural, social and economic importance of horseracing by not imposing an increase in betting duties on the sport.

鈥淚n its pre-Budget advice to the Treasury, the DCMS also warned that 鈥榰nless a carve-out for racing was accompanied by an increase in the Horserace Betting Levy鈥acing would be unlikely to feel any benefit.鈥�

鈥淭oday鈥檚 WMS leaves unexplained why, only a few months after the Budget, the DCMS now believes there is no need to change the Levy rate.

鈥淏ritish horseracing already gets a significantly lower return from the gambling industry compared to our nearest rival jurisdictions. While French and Irish horseracing gets 7.7% and 8.4% respectively, we receive less than 3%.

鈥淭his is compounded by the failure to recognise that in refusing to extend the Levy to bets placed on overseas racing, the sport in Britain is funding our international rivals which diminishes our global standing

鈥淚t was the last Conservative Government that introduced the concept of affordability checks on gambling, despite our repeated warnings of their impact on horseracing and the growth of illegal betting with all its associated risks for consumers.

鈥淭he current Chancellor recognised these dangers in her last Budget by awarding the Gambling Commission 拢26m to tackle the illegal sector.

鈥淲e agree that this Labour Government should not consider itself bound by the policies of its predecessor.

鈥淚n which case it is surely time for the DCMS and HMT to recognise that adding more red tape to an already highly regulated sector will only fuel a significant rise in illegal betting, deprive horseracing of funding and prevent the Government collecting millions of pounds in much-needed taxation.

鈥淭he Government would be genuinely鈥痗ongratulated if it took this moment to recognise the impact that no increase in the Levy will have on horseracing鈥檚 finances and stopped the introduction of affordability checks鈥痺hich鈥痶hreaten the sport鈥檚 future.鈥�

Helen will oversee all legal, compliance, risk management and corporate governance matters, ensuring that the BHA maintains the highest standards of legal and ethical behaviour, and providing strategic legal advice to the Executive and Board.

She joined the BHA in April 2017 and currently holds the position of Head of Legal and Governance, which includes leading the organisation鈥檚 in-house legal team.

Prior to her role with British racing鈥檚 governing body, Helen was a senior associate at international law firm, Bird and Bird, where she spent ten years in the technology, media and sport department.

Helen will officially assume the position at the beginning of August 2026, when Catherine Beloff leaves the BHA after more than a decade with the organisation.

BHA Chief Executive Officer Brant Dunshea said:

鈥淗elen has made a valuable contribution to the BHA and British racing over many years, continually demonstrating her astute judgement, comprehensive knowledge of corporate governance, and strong leadership capabilities.

鈥淚 am delighted that she will be joining the Executive team, where she will provide the organisation鈥檚 senior leaders with expert legal advice and lead on all aspects of our regulatory and statutory obligations. My congratulations to Helen on this well-deserved appointment.

鈥淚 would also like to thank and pay tribute to Catherine Beloff, who during her time with the BHA has navigated the organisation through two major and highly complex governance reviews, as well as overseeing the establishment of the independent judicial panel.聽Catherine leaves the BHA with everyone鈥檚 thanks and very best wishes for the future.鈥�

Commenting on her appointment, Helen Bryce said:

鈥淚t is a huge privilege to be appointed General Counsel and Company Secretary and to join the Executive team as we continue the vital work to secure a long-term, sustainable future for British racing.

鈥淚 look forward to working closely with BHA colleagues and stakeholders from across the sport to maintain the very highest standards of corporate governance and legal and regulatory compliance.

鈥淭hese are core activities that are essential to ensuring the integrity, accountability and transparency of everything we do, and giving participants and the public confidence in our policies and procedures鈥�.

High Value Developmental Races on the Flat will continue this season, with to strengthen the British racing and breeding industry.

The novice and maiden races are run with enhanced prize money to support domestic breeding and encourage the purchase and racing of young talent in Britain.

The programme of high value races is possible thanks to the support of British Stallion Studs (EBF), Darley, Juddmonte and Tattersalls, who combine with the BHA Development Fund to provide financial support for the initiative.

The first High Value Developmental race of the year will take place on Friday 3 April before the programme runs through the Flat season, concluding on Thursday 3 December. It consists of a range of races to support promising young horses, with open races each offering at least 拢40,000 and restricted races worth a minimum of 拢30,000. The total prize-money across all races is expected to exceed 拢2.8 million.

Last season, there were several notable examples of horses progressing to pattern level after running in one of the developmental races, including:

• VENETIAN SUN (IRE) 鈥� Won the 拢40,000 British Stallion Studs EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes on debut at Carlisle in May. She followed that up with success in the Group 3 Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot, before landing the Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes (Gr 2) and Prix Morny (Gr 1). Finishing the season with a rating of 114, Venetian Sun was one of the highest-rated British-trained horses in the end-of-season European 2yo Classification.
• COPPULL (GB) 鈥� Made a winning start to his career in the Juddmonte British EBF Restricted Maiden Stakes at Leicester in April and finished third in the Group 2 Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot next time out. He then won the Group 2 Richmond Stakes at Goodwood, after which trainer Clive Cox said the Middle Park Stakes would be his main target. He ended his season with a strong third-placed effort in that race, finishing within a length of winner Wise Approach.
• CONSENT (IRE) 鈥� Won the 拢40,000 Darley EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes at Newbury on 19 July before winning the Group 1 Qatar Prix de Royallieu at Longchamp. During the season she also finished runner-up in the Park Hill Fillies鈥� Stakes (Gr 2) at Doncaster and in the Prix Lady O’Reilly (Gr 3) at Deauville.
• BLUE BOLT (IRE) 鈥� Began her 3yo campaign with victory in the 拢40,000 Darley EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes at Newbury in June. She won the Listed Coral Distaff on her next start before finishing her season with a runner-up effort to Fallen Angel in the Group 1 BetMGM Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket.
• ZANTHOS (FR) 鈥� The Simon & Ed Crisford-trained filly made a winning debut in the Tattersalls 拢40,000 EBF “Newcomers” Maiden Fillies’ Stakes in August, before going on to score at Group 2 level in the Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket.

Richard Wayman, Director of Racing at the BHA, said:

鈥淲e are pleased to confirm the continuation of the High Value Developmental programme for the 2026 Flat season as part of a wider strategy that aims to see more high-quality horses bred, trained and raced in Britain.

鈥淭he High Value Developmental races are not only helping to incentivise the racing and breeding of talented horses in Britain, but we are now seeing increasing examples of the positive role they are playing in the development of young horses with graduates going on to succeed at the very highest level.

鈥淭he ongoing success of this initiative would not be possible without the sponsorship support of British Stallion Studs (EBF), Juddmonte, Darley and Tattersalls. We are also grateful to the Horseracing Betting Levy Board and our host racecourses, whose backing ensures these races continue to be run at an elevated level.鈥�

Kerry Murphy, CEO at the European Breeders’ Fund, said:

“There is no question that prizemoney is the most important factor for owners. This series of 拢30k and 拢40k races is a great example of collaboration and what can be achieved.聽 The British EBF has long supported higher value two-year-old maiden races and that this series is heading into its fourth year is a huge positive.”

Douglas Erskine Crum, CEO at Juddmonte, said:

鈥�Juddmonte is delighted to support financially again this year鈥檚 further enhancements. These high prize money developmental races directly support owners and breeders in areas that can be overlooked and thereby support our UK breeding industry.鈥�

Sam Bullard, Director of Stallions at Darley, said:

鈥淭he Darley Maiden Series is now a well-established and extremely positive programme that has successfully showcased future Group 1 winners among numerous high-quality racehorses. Darley is delighted to continue this sponsorship.

“Darley is absolutely committed to supporting breeders, either through this development series or via our contribution to the EBF. We are looking forward to the first of the Darley series at Newbury on 17 April.鈥�

Jason Singh, Marketing Director at Tattersalls, said:

鈥淭attersalls are delighted to continue our support for the High Value Developmental races as we continue to widen our support for British racing with numerous high-profile sponsorships, to complement our widely acclaimed 拢25,000 October Book 1 Bonus and the ever-popular sales races.

鈥淥ur sponsorship of the High Value Developmental races will ensure that not only is prizemoney for British Group and Listed races the best in Europe, but that there are a significant number of Maiden and Novice races whose prizemoney compares favourably with all other racing jurisdictions globally.鈥�

Alongside the strategy, the BHA has also published a summary of new into the experiences of ethnically and culturally diverse people working within the sport.

Together, these publications set out a clear, evidence-based framework for action across the next three years. They aim to strengthen leadership, improve fairness and safety, widen opportunity, and ensure racing remains relevant and competitive in modern Britain.

The strategy is centrally led by the BHA but collectively owned by the sport. It has been developed in collaboration with the sport鈥檚 core stakeholders and participants, as well as the Diversity in Racing Advisory Group. It provides direction, standards and accountability, while recognising that meaningful progress depends on collaboration across leaders, racecourses, jockeys, owners, breeders, trainers, charities and the wider workforce.

The strategy outlines a vision for a sport where everyone feels respected, valued and able to fulfil their potential. It emphasises that making sure that all people feel welcome and included is essential to racing鈥檚 long-term sustainability. It is based on evidence and the experiences of racing鈥檚 workforce, many of whom have positive experiences, but not all.

Key drivers include:

• Workforce sustainability 鈥� attracting and retaining the people racing needs to thrive.
• Relevance to modern Britain 鈥� ensuring the sport reflects and appeals to a broader range of communities.
• Reputational resilience 鈥� meeting the expectations of fans, media, investors and policymakers.
• Commercial advantage 鈥� stronger performance, innovation and audience growth through greater diversity.

The strategy builds on significant progress already made across the sport, including new inclusive career pathways, safeguarding and anti-sexual misconduct training, and the work of racing charities and community groups. However, it also acknowledges that progress has been uneven and that some people have not always felt welcome or supported.

The development of the strategy, and some of the recommendations within it, have been drawn from the sport鈥檚 , published by the Horseracing Industry People Board in February 2025.

The strategy sets out clear, measurable actions that will make a tangible difference to day-to-day experiences across the sport for people across the full spectrum of protected characteristics. These actions include:

• Strengthening leadership and accountability
  • Building more diverse viewpoints into decision-making.
  • Sharing and celebrating best practice.
  • Refreshing and auditing the D&I Industry Commitment.
• Building equitable practices
  • Supporting the future development of an Employer Quality Standard to promote best practice.
  • Improving and simplifying reporting mechanisms for discrimination, including an improved and more responsive system for people to anonymously share concerns (still branded RaceWISE) launching in the coming weeks
  • Improving race day facilities and accessibility for jockeys
• Improving education and awareness
  • Expanding inclusion training for high-impact roles.
  • Launching a visual awareness campaign promoting positive behaviours and challenging discrimination.
  • Introducing continuous learning for senior leaders and Boards.
• Better supporting and celebrating underrepresented groups
  • Targeted actions to support ethnically and culturally diverse colleagues, including language support.
  • Removing barriers for female and ethnically diverse jockeys through the Rider Development Pathway and Racing Home.
  • Launching a Leadership Development Programme for underrepresented groups.
• Engaging new audiences
  • Embedding diversity objectives into consumer engagement and social impact initiatives.
  • Building partnerships to diversify early careers programmes.
  • Providing best practice guidance on inclusive marketing.

These actions will be delivered through a phased implementation plan running to 2028, with transparent reporting and regular review.

The accompanying ethnicity research summary draws on three independent studies conducted between 2023 and 2025. While many people from ethnically and culturally diverse backgrounds report positive experiences in racing, the research also highlights negative experiences, barriers to progression (which are often hidden), inconsistent support, and a lack of trust in reporting systems. We are grateful to all research participants for their contribution.

These findings have helped contribute to the new strategy and will inform a dedicated ethnic and cultural diversity action plan to be developed with industry leaders and people with lived experience.

The strategy has been launched with support from industry stakeholders including the National Association of Racing Staff (NARS), National Trainers Federation (NTF), Professional Jockeys Association (PJA), Racecourse Association (RCA), Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) and Thoroughbred Breeders Association (TBA).

It has also been developed with collaboration from racing鈥檚 various industry charities which support various diverse groups within the industry.

QUOTES

Brant Dunshea, Chief Executive of the BHA said:

“British racing is at its best when it is open, welcoming and reflective of the society around us. 聽This strategy about the long-term health and success of our sport. To attract talent, fans and investment, we must ensure that everyone who works in or engages with racing feels safe, respected and able to thrive.

鈥淚t is about everyone in our sport, from racecourses to yards to studs and schools, governing bodies and beyond.

鈥淲e are proud of the progress already made across the industry, but we are also honest about where more work is needed. The research the sport has carried out here and in the past has helped us recognise and accept where there is a problem, and act on it.

David Jones, Senior Independent Director for the BHA, said:

鈥淭his strategy provides a clear, practical framework for action and a long-term ambition to create a modern, inclusive culture supported by diverse and empowered leaders and a sport in which fans, participants and the workforce reflect modern Britain, where opportunities are equitable, and where discrimination is not tolerated. Its success will depend on leadership, accountability and collaboration across the whole sport.”

Rose Grissell, Head of Diversity and Inclusion for the BHA added:

“The strategy is rooted in evidence and shaped by the lived experiences of people working in racing today, and we offer a huge thank you to those who have taken the time and shown the courage to share these with us.

鈥淢any have positive experiences, but not everyone does, and acknowledging that is an important step in supporting positive progress.

鈥淥ur aim is to make inclusion part of everyday practice, not an optional extra. That means equipping people with the tools, education and support they need, and ensuring that small, everyday behaviours contribute to a culture where everyone feels they belong鈥�.

Julia Tyson, Chair of the Horseracing Industry People Board said:

“People are at the heart of British racing, and this strategy is essential to building a sustainable, skilled and motivated workforce for the future.

鈥淭he research makes clear that while there is much to celebrate, there are also barriers that prevent some people from progressing or feeling fully included. In some cases, for instance, this can lead to poor mental health and higher levels of sickness absence. Addressing these challenges is not only the right thing to do, but vital for the competitiveness and resilience of the sport.鈥�

Josh Apiafi, Sky Sports Racing presenter, said:

鈥淚t should be celebrated that the sport has worked hard to produce this strategy, ensuring that at its core sits the experience, support, and development of racing鈥檚 family from ethnically diverse backgrounds.

鈥淥nce you are within racing鈥檚 fold, it is a welcoming sport. However, we have faced numerous barriers to entry that have prevented ethnically diverse communities from becoming part of racing鈥檚 fanbase and workforce.

鈥淭his strategy has the potential to significantly open employment pathways and create long-term opportunities that will support the future growth of the sport.

鈥淚t is the responsibility of all stakeholders across racing to ensure that Diversity and Inclusion remain front of mind, not only in principle, but in practice.鈥�

Bobby Beevers, founder of Autism in Racing, said:

鈥淲e are proud to support the BHA鈥檚 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy. People who are autistic and neurodiverse should always feel welcome within racing. Through Autism in Racing, we are ensuring that autistic voices are heard and represented across the industry. By working together, we can make the sport more inclusive so that everyone can enjoy racing, pursue careers within it, and truly feel they belong.鈥�

Cheryl Caves, Chair of Women in Racing, who have published their new said:

鈥淲omen in Racing is pleased to support the new strategy. As an independent organisation we have an important role to play in the delivery of the strategy and our existing programmes, including industry-leading mentoring, bursaries and events will contribute to its success. Racing Home and our new menopause research demonstrate how by listening to, and working with the sport鈥檚 participants we can make racing a better environment for all鈥�

David Letts, Chair of Racing with Pride, said:

鈥淭he launch of this strategy marks a significant step forward for British horseracing, providing a clear and unified framework for meaningful progress across the sport. While much positive work has already been undertaken, we now have the opportunity to bring those efforts together, ensuring the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

鈥淚mportantly, the published research shines a light on the challenges still facing the sport 鈥� challenges which we must face head-on. I am proud to see a commitment that goes beyond words, with tangible actions outlined, to create a culture where everyone feels safe, valued and able to thrive within our industry.鈥�

Notes to editors:

3. Support lines

Mental Health Medical Emergency: Call 999 or go to A&E (call an ambulance or get someone to drive you)

Mental Health Urgent Support (non-life threatening): Call 111 Select Mental Health on the telephone options, The Samaritans call 116 123 (available 24/7)

For less urgent, industry Mental Health Support, contact Racing Welfare on 0800 6300 443

To share a concern: Contact .