Future of racing depends on response to welfare concerns, says IFHA chair

The new Horse Welfare Board's five-year strategic plan for equine care has struck a chord with overseas administrators, as it addresses possible consequences for the future if the sport does not take a proactive stance.

These possible consequences were emphasised by Louis Romanet, chairman of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, in an address to the Asian Racing Conference in Cape Town on Friday.

Opening a two-hour session devoted entirely to equine welfare, he said: “It is critical that we remain diligent, constantly revising and justifying historical cultures. Any failure to meet those social standards, whether real of perceived, could have dire consequences on the long-term sustainability and viability of our entire industry.

"The reason to go to great lengths on equine welfare is that it is morally the correct thing to do, and secondly social nuances, which are constantly evolving, place an even greater expectation that our sport is doing everything within its control to protect the wellbeing of horses."

Romanet referred specifically to the presentation made at the annual IFHA conference in Paris last October by Tracey Crouch, who is an independent member of the Horse Welfare Board.

Tracey Crouch: an independent member of the Horse Welfare BoardCredit: Joel Stanley

He recalled: "Horseracing has a social licence to operate, which is an acceptance by the general public that the industry demonstrates its duty of care to the horse. Mrs Crouch explained that if our sport failed to do so, that licence can easily be revoked."

Romanet added: "It is not an unfair statement to say that the future of our industry in many ways relies on how we collectively react to challenges.

"Mrs Crouch also pointed out that this is a turning point for the industry. It is time to embrace welfare, otherwise a generation of racegoers will be lost and our industry will be susceptible to decline.

"Much good has already been done but there is more to do. Our sport must be prepared to counter emotional challenges by offering clear evidence of investment in equine welfare and successful outcomes, but we must also be prepared to challenge attitudes within our sport and see things from a wider perspective.

"As Mrs Crouch said at the IFHA conference, you either have an informed debate within racing leading to proactive change, or have change forced upon you by policy makers distant from the intricate detail of the industry.

The economic and social livelihood of our sport depends on the industry acting to the highest standards of horse welfare.”

Read this next

BHA's Brant Dunshea assesses the impact of illegal betting in the UK

Phelps looking for BHA to evolve with introduction of new operations unit

5G expansion a gamechanger and major opportunity for racing and betting

Kavanagh warns organisers of new-concept races not to cut across the Pattern

'Pivotal moment for racing' as Horse Welfare Board releases five-year strategy

Get ahead of the game with Get Your Eye in - exclusive Saturday preview content on racingpost.com and the Racing Post mobile app from 2pm on Friday