PartialLogo
News

New stewarding model decided but BHA keeping cards close to its chest for now

The BHA is looking at the future of stewarding
The BHA is looking at the future of stewardingCredit: Alan Crowhurst

A preferred option for British racing's new raceday stewarding model has been decided but the BHA was not willing to give any more details on Tuesday.

The governing body said it would be informing the sport's stakeholders and the existing team of officials of its plans before making its decision public.

The BHA board met on Monday to discuss a number of options for the future of stewarding following a controversial review begun by former chief regulatory officer Jamie Stier.

It was announced last year that the existing stewarding system, which combines salaried stipendiary stewards and volunteer honorary stewards, would be replaced with a new model from 2019, with the BHA raising the possibility of replacing the role of honorary stewards with a new, salaried raceday steward role.

That provoked an angry reaction from stewards and other stakeholders who made their views clear in the subsequent consultation.

It is understood some of the options discussed by the BHA board included a continuing role for honorary stewards.

However, Stier's successor Brant Dunshea told the Asian Racing Conference last month that even if that was the case there would have to be a more "robust management system" for them.

The BHA said in a statement on Tuesday that the proposals discussed were intended to allow raceday officials to ensure the sport was fair, clean and safe.

It added: "These proposals were developed after an extensive consultation process in which 128 responses were received. The BHA was impressed by the constructive ideas it received and the willingness to consider ways in which raceday regulation could be improved.

"The board has made a decision on their preferred option. The next steps are to share this with the parties most affected, including the BHA’s shareholders, from racecourses and the Horsemen’s Group as well as the existing team of officials, paid and honorary.

"These discussions will agree a provisional timetable for changes to be made. Until that process has been completed, the BHA is not able to discuss the decision publicly. Once all those affected have been informed we will make public the decision."


Members can read the latest exclusive interviews, news analysis and comment available from 6pm daily on racingpost.com


Bill BarberIndustry editor

Published on 12 June 2018inNews

Last updated 18:30, 12 June 2018

iconCopy