ROA backs owners' blueprint for racing to become more inclusive

Racing must embrace structural changes if it is to work for everyone, the Racehorse Owners Association has warned in response to the publication of a blueprint for the sport by two owners.

Ged Shields and Jon Hughes, who between them are involved with 39 horses, circulated a detailed report to key stakeholders at the weekend titled 'Blueprint for Racehorse Ownership in the UK', which contained 20 proposals to reimagine ownership amid concerns about a future reduction in ownership levels due to the economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic.

Responding on Monday, the ROA has supported the view taken by the two owners and believes racing needs to embrace substantial changes "for a stronger future".

An ROA statement read: "Jon and Ged are right. There needs to be radical change in areas of the industry. We at the ROA have been working hard on this for some time.

"People should be under no illusions about the challenges this pandemic crisis presents and the underlying issues it has exposed for owners and other horsemen.

"Key to the future is making sure racing works for everyone and not just a few. That means looking at the commercial flow from top to bottom, from bookmakers to horsemen. It means understanding where our weaknesses are and identifying the areas that need to be nurtured. We cannot be distracted by 'tribalism' while the 'pie' gets smaller.

“Racing needs to embrace structural change for a stronger future.”

Owners have only recently been allowed back on course albeit in a limited capacityCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Shields and Hughes believe the economic impact of the pandemic and ongoing frustrations of owners, namely poor financial return through prize-money and limited opportunities to see their horses in recent months, will lead to a significant contraction in ownership, while their report also predicted an immediate financial loss of £124 million to the sport.

Their blueprint outlines five key strategies, which broadly focus on the ownership experience, a marketing strategy for British racing and the construction of a five-year-plan to improve its funding.

The BHA also responded on Monday, stressing a recovery plan remains a priority for racing's leaders and welcomed "positive and constructive suggestions" such as that by the two owners.

BHA head of media Robin Mounsey said: "Developing a recovery plan is a priority for racing's leaders, and work on this is already ongoing. The importance of recruiting and retaining owners will be a central element of that plan. The industry will continue to work cohesively, and has already shown that a great deal can be achieved when everyone pulls in the same direction.

"There's no doubt significant challenges lie ahead for the sport, as with most major industries. We will be much better placed to face those challenges armed with a strategy that draws on expertise from across the racing industry. Input from those making positive and constructive suggestions, such as Jon and Ged, will be a valuable asset in developing that plan."

Read more:

Call to arms for British racing to reimagine ownership in wake of Covid-19

Racing is heading for a catastrophe - here’s what we must do to avoid it

Richard Forristal: racecourses should open their doors soon

Needing the 5,000: Goodwood hopes to have members at one day of Glorious meeting

Members can read the latest exclusive tipping content such as Pricewise and Paul Kealy from 6pm daily on racingpost.com