Fears of backlash against controversial BHA sales review recede after meeting

BHA fears of an angry row appeared to ease following a 'constructive' briefing session with leading industry figures on the authority's controversial report on buying and selling practices.

Many in the bloodstock world had reacted sceptically when the BHA announced two years ago it was launching a review, after receiving evidence of potentially criminal wrongdoing. And BHA chief executive Nick Rust admitted he feared a backlash from the bloodstock world and beyond on publication of the findings.

The report was passed by the BHA board in July and shared with representatives of the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association, Federation of Bloodstock Agents, sales companies, the National Trainers Federation, Racehorse Owners Association and others ahead of a key meeting in Newmarket on Thursday.

At the time the review was announced Henry Beeby, group chief executive of Goffs, had said: "I am adamant British and Irish bloodstock auctions are as fair and transparent as they can possibly be."

Henry Beeby: 'It was a full and frank exchange of views'Credit: Patrick McCann

After attending the briefing, he said: "We had a very good session, it was very helpful. I'd say it was a full and frank exchange of views. We've agreed to move forward, we're meeting again next month. We've got a fairly clear plan and we're moving forward with that.

"I'd say it was a constructive, full and frank discussion. It was a grown up conversation where people said what they felt. We're all working towards a common goal really."

Beeby would not reveal the contents of the report but said: "They've given us a draft, we discussed it today and we're going to move forward. It would be wrong to say anything else because nothing definite has been decided yet, other than we're all moving in the same direction.

"In the fullness of time we'll collectively make an announcement about what's going to happen. All I can tell you is we're not shying away from the issues that are presented, we're confronting them and that's why we had a full and frank discussion."

Oliver St Lawrence, chairman of the FBA, added: "It was a very constructive meeting. We've agreed we'll meet again in September and there were lots of positive things.

"There are some positive steps we can take to help tighten up the buying and selling of horses and the misperceptions that have been generated over the years. We agreed on most things and had a fair and frank discussion."

Oliver St Lawrence: 'There are some positive steps we can take'Credit: Geoffrey Pieters

Rust chaired the meeting and said in a statement: "I'm extremely grateful to all those leaders who gave up their valuable time to participate so constructively today. We held full and frank discussions about the findings and recommendations, and I’m very pleased that a clear way forward has emerged.

"The group will meet again next month to work together to develop a detailed implementation plan which will help our industry in its aim to retain and grow racehorse ownership.”

Rust had signalled the review in a letter to interested parties in August 2017, stressing his concern at evidence of unsatisfactory experiences for owners and prospective owners, which threatened investment in the sport.

More to read:

BHA to launch review into bloodstock sales amid ethical concerns

Bloodstock figures go public with claims of malpractice in the sales ring

BHA appoints top policeman to lead review of alleged sales ring malpractice

BHA braced for backlash as bloodstock sales review nears publication

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