Racing world needs to get on front foot on issue of equine welfare

Equine welfare dominated proceedings at the 53rd International Conference of Horseracing Authorities in Paris this week and, while there was plenty to digest, one of the most important lessons came early in the piece.

Former Conservative sports minister Tracey Crouch, an independent member of British racing's Horse Welfare Board, set the tone for the session with a keynote address to delegates.

Crouch's support for the sport has been demonstrated before, notably manifesting itself in the reform of the levy, and she said she had been proud to have responsibility for the industry during her three years as minister.