New anonymous text service part of BHA campaign to aid integrity effort

The BHA has announced several measures designed to enable the anonymous reporting of integrity concerns and provide clearer guidance to participants involved in an investigation

The range of services include a confidential text messaging facility to allow anyone to report concerns anonymously.

The service, which will initially run for one year, will supplement the existing RaceStraight phone line and online portal, with information used by the integrity team to develop new lines of inquiry or support ongoing integrity investigations eligible for a financial reward if they result in a disciplinary process.

The BHA, which unveiled the measures on Monday, will also put into action another recommendation from Christopher Quinlan QC's integrity review in 2016, with individuals involved in an investigation now receiving an investigation charter and guidance note to inform them of what to expect and how the disciplinary proceedings with progress. The charter will be provided at the beginning of an investigation rather than upon the decision to bring charges.

The BHA's senior regulators will also give a series of briefings at industry roadshows in 2018.

Brant Dunshea, director of integrity and regulatory operations at the BHA, said: "It's important that as the regulator we continue to develop how we work to ensure we are as professional, fair and transparent as possible and that those on the other side of disciplinary action have clear guidance on what to expect.

"The measures announced today will see us set an industry leading standard in sport and shows we are determined to adopt the highest standards when it comes to how we investigate and enforce the rules of racing."

Those wishing to report any integrity concerns can text BHA to 62277, call the free 24-hour phone line on 08000 852580, or visit britishhorseracing.com/racestraight