‘I believe the conversation has changed’ - Philip Newton looks to the future in TBA address

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Chairman Philip Newton struck a more optimistic note as he addressed the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (TBA) at its 109th Annual General Meeting on Tuesday in Newmarket.

As has been the case in recent years, Newton again highlighted the significant challenges still facing British breeding and racing but added that he felt the importance of a strong and sustainable domestic industry was being recognised across the sport. 

Newton said that stabilising Britain’s declining foal crop must remain a central priority, warning that breeding stock, expertise and investment could not easily be recovered once lost and stressed that supporting British breeding could no longer be left solely to market forces. 

He highlighted the Great British Bonus as a clear example of how targeted intervention can encourage investment in British-bred horses and deliver tangible benefits to breeders, owners and connections. 

Newton said the TBA would continue to develop and advocate for practical measures which strengthen breeder confidence, support demand for British-bred horses and, ultimately, the foal crop. 

He pointed out other examples where the TBA was building evidence needed to support longer-term decision-making including ongoing work around the genetic diversity of the thoroughbred, lifetime traceability and equine health and welfare alongside the development of a longer-term strategy for British breeding.

The TBA’s meeting took place in the Jockey Club Rooms in NewmarketCredit: TBA

Newton said: “The challenges facing British breeding are very real, but I believe the conversation has changed. There is now much greater recognition across racing that a strong breeding industry is fundamental to the future of the sport, and that practical action is required to support it.

“Our role at the TBA is to ensure that action is informed by evidence. We need to understand the issues properly, develop credible solutions and make the case for interventions that will rebuild confidence and encourage investment in British breeding.

“Putting a floor under the foal crop must be one of our central objectives. We have already seen through the Great British Bonus what can be achieved when the industry gets behind a targeted and well-supported initiative, and we need to build on that approach.” 

Newton welcomed the increasingly prominent representation of the breeding sector within racing’s governance, including the appointment of former TBA trustee and owner-breeder Simon Cox as chairman of the British Horseracing Authority.

The meeting confirmed the appointment of two newly voted trustees. Jess Westwood of Molland Ridge Stud has been re-appointed having served one term on the TBA board along with Kelly Thomas of Maywood Stud now joining. Cox has left the board following his recent BHA appointment.

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