In response to an article in today’s Sunday Telegraph, the Board of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) issued the following statement:
鈥淭he BHA Board met briefly this morning to discuss media reporting of criticism of the BHA and its Chief Executive. 聽The Board 鈥� which includes members nominated by the organisations representing horsemen and racecourses – understands the pressures on all in racing at present and recognises that BHA executives benefit from constructive feedback from participants. There will be very few sports or businesses in which similar dialogue isn鈥檛 going on given the nature of the crisis. The Board asks that to be done in accordance with racing鈥檚 values, to be respectful and not single out individuals unfairly for carrying out their role.
鈥淭he racing industry, like everyone at this time, puts the health of the public and our participants first. 聽This was clear in our decision to suspend racing and is a central focus of our planning for resumption.
鈥淥ur CEO Nick Rust and his team are acting in support of decisions taken by an industry group, endorsed by the BHA鈥檚 Members Committee and enacted by the BHA Board. Our staff are focusing their efforts right now on planning for the resumption of racing as soon as possible. They are working in full collaboration with trainers, racecourses and others.
鈥淕ood progress has been made and racing will have detailed proposals incorporating expert medical opinion to present to government as it prepares to review the current restrictions. It is encouraging to see the positive results of our dialogue with government in weekend media reports of the government鈥檚 desire for sport to resume.
鈥淣ick, his team, and the industry colleagues with whom they are working so closely, are looking forward and are united in wanting the sport to resume as soon as it is possible. They have the Board鈥檚 full and unequivocal support.鈥�
Notes to editors:
- Details of the BHA Board and its membership can be found here.
