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Historic moment for British Horseracing as Members’ Agreement is signed

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Press Release

  • Members’ Agreement enacts new tripartite structure for governance of British Horseracing
  • Agreement defines which decisions can be taken autonomously by BHA, which require consultation and which require tripartite approval
  • British Racing now formally structured to act in unified manner for the good of the industry

In a landmark moment in the history of British Horseracing, the Members’ Agreement, which implements a new, tripartite governance structure for the sport, has today been signed by the industry’s major stakeholders.

The signing of the document means that the sport is able to act in a unified manner, with the major stakeholders making strategic decisions for the long-term benefit of the industry by acting as a united body, enshrined in a formal Agreement.

The signatories to the document gathered at a press conference at the headquarters of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) today to mark the historic agreement, attended by representatives of the Racing industry and media.

The signatories to the document are:

  • British Horseracing Authority (BHA)
  • Racecourse Association (RCA)
  • Racehorse Owners Association (ROA)
  • Thoroughbred Breeders Association (TBA)
  • National Trainers Federation (NTF), also representing the ‘Licensed personnel’ -  Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) and National Association of Stable Staff (NASS)

Steve Harman, Chairman of the BHA, said:

“This is a landmark moment for the sport and the industry. We now move forward from a position of strength as a sport and industry which is united.

 “When I arrived in this role there were some who felt that Racing is factional and fragmented, but that is not what I have found. The humility, common sense of purpose and desire to get things done is noticeable in most of Racing’s leaders."

“A proof of this togetherness is visible in the work achieved to date – the progress on the Racing Right; the implementation of a Strategy for Growth; the drive to integrate a staffing and welfare agenda; and today with the signing of this historic accord, which the industry requires in order to cement this spirit of togetherness into our formal structures.”

Thursday, 05 November 2015