No recorded complaints in 15 years as 'code of silence' dominates industry

A new bloodstock industry code of practice was announced to much fanfare by the Jockey Club in 2004, yet remarkably the BHA’s bloodstock review found that in 15 years there has never been a recorded complaint.

The code of conduct was designed as a silver bullet to end concerns about the buying and selling of horses. However, the report alleges there is a 'code of silence' within the industry.

The report's author Justin Felice writes of his disappointment at discovering such a code existed in respect of reporting allegations of wrongdoing within the bloodstock industry, with a real fear expressed by some participants of being ostracised and unable to operate within the industry, including not being able to buy and sell bloodstock.