Racing industry leaders from the BHA, horsemen and racecourses have agreed on the next phase of the response to the COVID crisis.

A wide range of work has been continuing since racing was the first major sport to resume on 1st June. But the plan published today puts an added focus on retaining owners and key investors and attracting customers when the public starts to return to racecourses.

wherever possible and work for the full resumption of racing, with the best possible ownership and spectator experience, and the maximum attendance possible. The professionalism shown by participants – trainers, jockeys, racing and racecourse staff – in adapting quickly to the new social distancing restrictions has put racing at the forefront of plans to readmit the public to sporting events.

Leaders have committed to put in place a fixture programme for 2021 that seeks to maximise prize money within the severe financial constraints faced by participants, supported by new commercial agreements between Racecourses and Horsemen to be agreed. Funding from the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) is currently supporting prize money after racecourse finances were severely impacted by the halt to racing and the continued absence of crowds.

The plans makes clear that weathering the recession will require the industry’s cost-base to be kept as low as possible, whilst targeted action and support should be directed at retaining owners and key investors, many of whom both breed and own horses in the UK. Leaders recognise the loyalty shown by owners since the crisis began. An industry ownership strategy will be published in weeks, including urgent retention measures.  The plan also references ongoing work to manage the impact of Brexit.