Racing's leaders raise concerns over new EU Animal Health Law as Brexit nears

British racing's leaders have raised concerns that the new EU Animal Health Law, which comes into force next year, will not meet the requirements of the thoroughbred industry after Brexit.

Their stated aim is to avoid "unnecessary barriers" to trade or racehorse movement as Britain's departure from the European Union draws near. However there are concerns the new law might result in a "one size fits all" system with lower health standards for all horses than currently apply to thoroughbreds.

With the necessary legislation having received Royal Assent last week, Britain will be leaving the EU on Friday, with a transition period running through to the end of this year.

During the transition period the Tripartite Agreement, which allows free movement of racehorses and breeding stock between the UK, Ireland and France, will continue.

There had been fears that barriers to free movement, along with other measures such as tariffs, would have been imposed if Britain had left without a withdrawal agreement.

Julian Richmond-Watson, chairman of the Thoroughbred Industries Brexit Steering Group, said on Monday: "As the Brexit negotiations move in to the second phase, our industry continues with an international outlook and the aim of avoiding any unnecessary barriers to trade or the movement of the thoroughbred.

"We will work alongside European and sector colleagues, and the British government, aiming to deliver a future relationship with the EU which will enhance our great industry, support our highly valued European employees, and raise the already high animal health and welfare standards we have in place."

Julian Richmond-Watson: 'Our industry continues with an international outlook'Credit: Adam Smyth/TBA

Racing authorities across Europe have been discussing a new "high health horse" proposal to succeed the Tripartite Agreement, which would enable the movement of thoroughbreds between EU and non-EU countries with sufficient health standards.

However, from April next year the new EU Animal Health Law will govern the rules for movement of thoroughbreds within, imports into and exports from the EU.

An update issued by the steering group said there were "clear and damaging equine welfare, logistical and financial implications...if the standards of animal welfare and health underpinning the movement of horses is lowered".

It added: "As currently drafted, we are concerned that the Animal Health Law does not provide appropriate recognition of these standards, or reflects that the existing system has evolved over 50 years and serves us well.

"We will continue to engage in a constructive spirit alongside European colleagues and governments to impress upon the [European] Commission the need for a sustainable and sensible solution which raises standards and does not damage the ecosystem of European thoroughbred racing and breeding."

There have also been concerns that Brexit might exacerbate British racing's shortage of stable staff, with around one in five coming from within the European Economic Area (EEA) or having a non-European background.

The government is currently consulting on the design of the future immigration system with work being led by the Migration Advisory Committee.

Conservative MP Laurence Robertson, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Racing and Bloodstock Industries Group, met with immigration minister Kevin Foster last week to raise racing's case.

The steering group's note "strongly recommends" all EU and EEA staff working in British racing and breeding apply for the EU Settlement Scheme for themselves and their families to allow them to continue to live and work in the UK.

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