Racing's top figures need to press for changes, says ownership pressure group

Leading owners, breeders and trainers in Britain should unite to form a proactive body aimed at enacting change in British racing by holding the sport’s leadership to account and pressing for direct action where necessary, according to a detailed report published by ownership pressure group Keep Owners In Racing (KOIR).

The document, titled “Why Racing Has to Change to Secure Owner Acquisition & Retention – And How to Do It”, also calls for more transparency from the decision-making bodies in racing and a rethink of the tripartite governance structure between the BHA, racecourses and horsemen, which KOIR states has “in effect broken down”, leading to “leadership by veto and the exercise of negative authority”.

KOIR’s report follows hot on the heels of comments made by Charlie Parker, president of the Racehorse Owners Association, on Wednesday when he outlined how structural amendments were needed in British racing “to ensure that change can take place, that crucial decisions can be made and that strong leadership can help grow and protect the sport”.