Volunteer stewards could be replaced by professionals under BHA proposals

Volunteer stewards who sit on raceday panels could be replaced by professionals under BHA proposals announced on Thursday.

The proposals form part of a consultation due to take place over the next six weeks that will aim to produce a new stewards model to take effect from 2019.

Currently 97 volunteer stewards sit on raceday panels where they are tasked with ensuring the rules of racing are adhered to. They are advised and assisted by professional stipendiary stewards, but decision-making responsibility rests with the volunteer stewards.

The BHA cited the need for "clear accountability" from those involved in raceday integrity as a key driver behind the new proposals. Consistency of decision-making is also believed to be an important consideration, with professional stewards able to sit more frequently and undertake more training.

Jamie Stier, chief regulatory officer for the BHA, said: “While the current stewarding model has served British racing well for many years, now is the right time to look at alternative models in order to decide which one can best provide clear accountability for raceday integrity issues, decision-making and support a fully comprehensive programme of training and development for all stewards.

"We also need to ensure that our approach can, in future, deliver the resources needed to service the fixture list fully and effectively."

The new proposals are subject to a six-week consultation period with current volunteer stewards and racing professionals, after which the existing system is expected to remain in place during an 18-month transition period.

Paul Barton, head of stewarding at the BHA, said: "The decision to start work on options for a new stewarding model was influenced by feedback received from stakeholders.

"I would like to pass on my sincere thanks to all of our volunteer stewards who continue to give up so much of their time for the love of the sport. They work with dedication, enthusiasm and fairness.

"They have made, and continue to make, an enormous contribution to British racing. We are so grateful for their support. Their knowledge and experience will be very valuable in finalising the design of the new model and they will play an important role in the consultation process."

Stier added: "I’d like to pass on my great appreciation to all our volunteer stewards for their commitment and service to British racing which has seen our sport progress to its current highly regarded position. We hope they will continue to make themselves available through the period of the consultation and transition."