BHA welcomes 'clarity' after Boris Johnson wins clear majority

The BHA has welcomed the "clarity" provided by Boris Johnson's victory in Thursday's general election and said the sport was looking forward to working with MPs across the political spectrum.

The prospects of government intervention into racing and racehorse welfare appear to have receded after the Conservative Party won a clear majority of 80.

Both Labour and the Liberal Democrats had promised reviews into equine welfare in their election manifestos.

The uncertainty over Brexit and its effects on racing also appear to have lifted for the short to medium term after Johnson's victory.

A Conservative majority means Johnson can push through his Withdrawal Agreement with the aim of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union on January 31.

A deal means that fears over racehorse movement, which would have suffered red tape and delays under a no-deal scenario, have been lifted, with current arrangements for travel to the EU likely to continue during a transition period.

Racing is to engage with all MPs and political parties

A BHA statement said: "British racing welcomes the clarity which the general election result, and a majority Conservative government, provides for our industry particularly relating to Brexit.

"Over the next Parliament, our public affairs group will engage with all MPs and political parties to outline British racing’s significant cultural and economic impact, and position as one of the country’s most traditional yet exciting sports."

The governing body added: "Fundamental to our ambition in the next Parliament is to further grow British racing’s pre-eminent position within international racing.

"This includes securing a final Brexit deal which facilitates free movement of thoroughbreds to and from the EU, and a future immigration system which allows the small and medium enterprises across the industry access to the best international talent; a truly sustainable and internationally competitive return from betting activity, and enhancing our world-leading standards of equine welfare.”

Bookmaker share prices surged on Friday morning after the result of the election, before falling back.

William Hill's share price ended the day up 7.41 per cent at 182.7p, Ladbrokes Coral's parent company GVC Holdings was up 4.1 per cent at 869.2p, while Paddy Power Betfair's parent company Flutter Entertainment rose 0.14 per cent at 8,882p.

However, the gambling industry can still expect further action from government despite Johnson's victory.

All the major parties had promised further gambling reform, with the Conservatives pledging the party would "continue to take action to tackle gambling addiction" and that they would review the Gambling Act.

Betting and Gaming Council chairman Brigid Simmonds

Betting and Gaming Council chairman Brigid Simmonds said on Friday: "We look forward to working with the government and all newly elected MPs.

"Betting on racing is a hugely popular leisure pursuit, enjoyed by millions and helping support many thousands of jobs across all constituencies.

"We will continue to work with all stakeholders to lead the way on safer gambling and ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all customers."

Among MPs, the main casualty among those with an interest or involvement in racing or gambling was Conservative MP Zac Goldsmith, who lost his Richmond Park seat.

Goldsmith had been responsible for animal welfare at the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs.

The position of culture secretary, which has ultimate responsibility for both racing and gambling, will be decided in the coming days after Nicky Morgan stood down ahead of the election.

The shadow environment secretary Sue Hayman, who commissioned Labour’s Animal Welfare manifesto which promised a review of whip use in racing, lost to the Conservatives in Workington.

Chris Williamson and Roger Godsiff, vocal parliamentary opponents of racing who both had the Labour whip removed, lost their seats in Derby North and Birmingham Hall Green respectively.

Former Labour MP Graham Jones, who had been a prominent critic of the gambling industry, lost his Hyndburn seat.

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