Horsemen's Group chairman hits back at stable staff criticism over fixture list

Criticism that stable staff were unconsidered in formulating next year's fixture list in Britain has been rejected with their physical and mental wellbeing "at the heart of discussions", according to the head of the body representing horsemen.

Charlie Parker, chairman of the Horsemen's Group, an overarching body representing owners, trainers, jockeys, staff and breeders, said generating revenue for racing and growing the sport was "important" but that it was not being done at the expense of stable staff.

He said: "I wasn't directly involved in the process but it went on for a very long time and a lot of hard work went into it. Compromises were made by racecourses and horsemen and there was input from the BHA into it too. It was a long process but we got there in the end.