Racing's Brexit group gives latest advice as Brexit extension looks probable

Current arrangements for transporting racehorses between the United Kingdom and European Union look set to continue with a further extension in the Brexit process appearing likely.

However, the Thoroughbred Industries Brexit Steering Group has warned that withdrawal on October 31 remains the legal default position and for the sport to be prepared in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

EU ambassadors agreed a Brexit extension in principle on Friday but have yet to say how long the extension will be, waiting instead to take into account the result of Monday's Commons vote on whether there should be a December general election.

The steering group's statement said: "In the event of an extension being granted, this will mean that the UK remains a member state of the European Union and that existing arrangements will continue until either the next deadline, or earlier if a deal is formally agreed and ratified by parliament in advance of that date.

"Whilst the likelihood of a no-deal Brexit on October 31 has receded significantly as a result of these developments, until any extension is agreed [or a withdrawal agreement is ratified by the UK and EU], an October 31 withdrawal remains the legal default.

"As such, the Brexit Steering Group therefore advises that participants bear in mind the guidance that is available on the BHA’s website in the event of a no-deal Brexit on that date."

The Tripartite Agreement – which guarantees free movement of racehorses and breeding stock between the UK, Ireland and France – ceases to exist after Brexit, although the current arrangements are expected to continue during any transition period in the event of a withdrawal deal being ratified.

Although the British government has said it will continue current arrangements for horses entering the UK, barriers to the free movement of horses from the UK to the EU – such as additional red tape and the need to use designated border inspection posts – are expected to be erected by the EU in the case of a no-deal Brexit.

The UK was granted 'third country' status for the export of live animals by the EU this month, without which racehorses and breeding stock would not have been able to move between the UK and EU at all in the event of no deal.

An extension would be good news for Down Royal in Northern Ireland, whose biggest meeting of the season takes place on the first two days of November and which could face disruption if there were problems for horses travelling from the Republic of Ireland and back.

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