Officials delighted as foal notification numbers in line with expectations

British breeders have continued to embrace the BHA's 30-day foal notification regulation, with the number of newborns processed to the end of March stacking up well against the figures from 12 months ago.

Announced last November, the ruling came into effect from January 1 with the aim of improving the traceability of thoroughbreds throughout their lifetime and according to data supplied to the Racing Post by Weatherbys, there were 2,276 notifications made in the period until the end of last month.

That has given bosses at the BHA and Weatherbys further reason to believe the online-based system is working as it should, with the number of foals born by the end of March last year coming in at 2,712.

"We are delighted that the notification numbers are in line with where they should be and we have also found that many breeders, particularly larger breeders, are registering their foals at the same time as they complete 30-day foal notifications," said Simon Cooper, director of the General Stud Book.

"It’s perhaps the case that foals are being chipped, and blood and markings completed at an earlier stage and this allows registration to occur easily within the first 30 days. Our system allows notification and registration to be done at the same time and the data needs to be inputted only once for both procedures. As ever our team is available should anyone have any questions."

Mandatory foal notification period of selected other nations

Qatar 3 days
Italy 7 days
Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA 30 days
India 90 days

David Sykes, the BHA's director of equine health and welfare, added: "The early notification of the birth of thoroughbred foals helps improve transparency and traceability and is a reflection of the sport’s commitment to being the gold standard when it comes to equine welfare.

"I am determined that the sport upholds its duty of care for thoroughbreds at all stages of their life, not only their racing careers. We are grateful to all the breeders who are complying with the new requirement – it reflects that our commitment to be open, transparent and accountable for our horses’ welfare extends to everyone involved in the sport, not just the regulator."

If you are interested in this, you should read:

Take a look at the stars of tomorrow as breeders welcome their new arrivals