Barry Johnson: urgent need for racing to communicate its welfare standards

Barry Johnson, the independent chair of the Horse Welfare Board, has called on the racing industry to urgently communicate its welfare standards and combat increased public and political pressure.

Set up by the BHA earlier this year, the board aims to create a new welfare strategy covering the whole industry and includes representatives from the Racecourse Association (RCA), the BHA, the Horsemen's Group, as well as another independent member in Tracey Crouch MP.

"It's important the industry realises there's never been a more urgent need to communicate its welfare standards," said Johnson, a past chairman of the World Horse Welfare charity.