“The Gambling Commission board met to consider next steps on financial risk assessments. It was presented with an extensive evidence base but has not yet fully completed its assessment of that evidence. We will communicate further in due course.”

This was an update that this author freely admits he did not expect to read following the Gambling Commission鈥檚 Board meeting on Thursday May 21.

Following a frustrating couple of months, where serious concerns largely fell on deaf ears, it was welcome confirmation that the intense joint lobbying from racing and betting 鈥� both publicly and behind the scenes – had the desired effect of pausing the implementation of affordability checks, at least for now.

The penetrating media and political campaign opposing the checks required a significant effort from across British racing. We thank everyone who played their part in ensuring that the message was heard loud and clear that this policy should not happen without further assessment of its impact on the sport.

Activity has included:

鈥� An open letter to Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Secretary of State Lisa Nandy MP, signed by over 400 leaders and figures in British racing, and supportive politicians, asking her to stop the checks.
鈥� The creation of a 鈥榳rite to your MP鈥� online portal for racing fans to ask their MPs to write to Lisa Nandy to stop the checks. Thousands of letters have been sent.
鈥� A 糖心传媒-led stakeholder letter-writing campaign in which racecourses, stud farms, owners and trainers have written to their MP urging them to put pressure on Government.
鈥� Numerous articles in the news pages of daily papers including several leaders and op-eds.
鈥� Multiple meetings with Ministers and senior advisers in the Treasury and DCMS.
鈥� The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Racing & Bloodstock members writing to Lisa Nandy urging her to act. Letters have also been sent to

Treasury Ministers Dan Tomlinson MP and Lord Livermore requesting they intervene due to the risk of black market growth to the Exchequer.
Short of an official update, it is unclear what happens next, but further delay seems inevitable. The next Gambling Commission Board meeting 鈥� where the policy will likely be on the agenda once again – will presumably be the next big moment.

The political will still seems to exist from this Government to make these intrusive checks a reality, with DCMS confirming in a recent Parliamentary Question response that they still support 鈥渢he intent of the policy鈥�. So, it remains vital that work is undertaken to address some of the flaws with the policy exposed by the pilot. It seems clear that the fact of these flaws left the Board in a position where it did not feel comfortable enough to sign off on the checks and the next phase of work.

What was also apparent before Thursday 21 May, and remains so, is that horseracing and the betting public should be given the opportunity to see the 鈥渆xtensive evidence鈥� presented to the Commission Board. As it considers what comes next, this should be a priority for the Commission and would go some way to addressing the trust deficit that has built up over the course of the pilot phase and ahead of the recent Board meeting.
The Commission Board鈥檚 decision leaves us in a holding pattern. What happens next via the new Implementation Working Group, on which we understand representatives from the Commission, DCMS and Betting will sit, matters enormously.

We will be closely monitoring the next steps of this process, providing scrutiny where necessary. This is not over, and we may be back to ask for your support once again.

Gambling Evaluation Advisory Group

An unexpected development thrown up by our campaign was the revelation following Dr James Noyes鈥� principled resignation from the Gambling Review Evaluation Advisory Group that such a group even existed. And not only does this group exist, but said group is apparently 鈥渇ailing to carry out its functions in a proper manner鈥� and relying on entirely qualitative methods rather than real world data.

In our extensive engagement with the DCMS since the 2023 White Paper, and even in official on the record responses to parliamentary questions, this has not been mentioned by the Department and the reluctance even now to reveal the group鈥檚 wider membership until after the findings have been published surely raises questions about the level of transparency surrounding the pilot tests of affordability checks.

It is worth noting that Dr Noyes has long been viewed by many in betting and racing as anti-gambling given his role as a pioneer for the concept of checks, and his withdrawal of support can be seen as somewhat of a bellwether of just how widespread concern now is about this policy.

As his remarkable resignation letter makes clear, he not only believes that proper checks and balances are not being applied to this policy, but also that, what is now being planned is so far beyond his original proposal that it will not deliver the frictionless, non-intrusive process that was promised and will instead risk causing serious harm to British racing.

Regarding checks and balances, it would be reasonable to expect that responsibility for a public policy that will impact two multi-billion-pound industries, and the country鈥檚 second-favourite sport, should reside with our elected Members of Parliament.

Why the DCMS, which is responsible for our sport and the betting industry, has washed its hands of a policy which it devised and instead handed power to an unelected quango remains a mystery.

As we continue to push for answers on why this has happened, responses to Parliamentary Questions on the 26th of May from DCMS Minister Ian Murray to APPG for Racing and Bloodstock members Bob Blackman and Jack Rankin have confirmed that we are expecting the findings of NatCen鈥檚 evaluation of the Gambling Act Review later this year.

The same answer to Bob confirms that 鈥渇inancial risk assessments鈥� (FRAs) are not in scope of that evaluation, which, to put it bluntly, seems quite selective. While I am sure the Department would cite the delay to the implementation of FRAs as their reasoning, what is the point of evaluating a wide-ranging review if the most controversial and potentially impactful policy is not accounted for?

APPG for Gambling Reform report on sponsorship and advertising

Previously, this blog predicted that the next gambling policy battleground would be sponsorship and advertising, and the APPG for Gambling Reform鈥檚 report, which recommends a significant tightening of the current regulations, was the latest entrant into that debate.

Following a conversation with the APPG鈥檚 clerk, we have had confirmation that the racing carve out recommended by the report鈥檚 authors Alex Ballinger and Dr Beccy Cooper would apply to all of the policy recommendations made in the report such as banning all gambling advertising before the watershed and stopping betting operators from sponsoring individual programmes. It was pleasing to once again see the unique relationship between horseracing and betting recognised.

While concerns around the impact on children and young people of seeing such advertising is not without merit, what is increasingly clear is that the priority should first be to ensure that illegal operators are not targeting UK consumers, especially on social media.

DCMS will soon be releasing a consultation proposing a crackdown on illegal gambling sponsorship and advertising in the UK and we will be offering British racing鈥檚 full support for such a move in our response.

The race for No10

Following the lacklustre performance of the Labour Party in both the local elections in England, and in the devolved elections in Scotland and Wales, we, like many of you, have been watching with interest as the various runners and riders have set out their stall for replacing Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister.

The Makerfield by-election in Royal Ascot week, which could see Andy Burnham returned to Westminster as a Member of Parliament looks key, and we expect to see a pause in proceedings until then.

Rest assured that if there is a change in leadership which delivers a considerable change in the make-up of this Government, we will be proactive in engaging with any new Ministerial teams.

The purpose of this blog is to set out the background and rationale regarding the introduction of this rule, and to address some of the comments and concerns that have been raised.

From 1 May 2024 we introduced an amendment of in order to allow the 糖心传媒 Stewards to declare a non-runner in any race beginning from starting stalls if they believe that a horse has been denied a fair start.

The change aligned Britain with the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) model rule and the approach applied by most other major racing nations. Its introduction followed engagement with and feedback from industry stakeholders, including participants and the betting industry.

The rationale behind the rule is that it is unfair to the betting public to lose their money on a horse who is prevented from starting on equal terms.

At the moment when the start was enacted in the 2026 Derby, Benvenuto Cellini had one leg trapped in an elevated position on the running boards in the stalls shortly before the start was effected.

As is normal process, the 糖心传媒鈥檚 raceday stewards held an enquiry into the incident immediately after the race, with the starter, veterinary officer and rider interviewed.

Once the evidence had been gathered, the stewards considered the questions as to whether Benvenuto Cellini was denied a fair start and, if so, did it materially affect the colt鈥檚 chances in the race.

The unanimous decision reached by a highly-experienced stewarding panel was that the horse was prevented from starting on equal terms and that, as a consequence, his chance in the race was materially affected.

If the starter had been aware that the horse was on three legs, with his leg physically entangled in the stalls, and his chances were going to be impacted in the race, he would not have enacted the start. The horse鈥檚 leg would have been released, taken out of the stalls and checked by a veterinary officer and then reloaded him if safe to do so.

Credit: ITV Racing

But the incident happened in mere fractions of seconds. The starter wasn鈥檛 aware, and couldn鈥檛 be expected to have been aware. Therefore, it would not be fair to all of those who backed the horse that he should count as a runner.

One of the most common concerns we are hearing from punters and media is that this now sets a dangerous precedent. We are being asked the question 鈥渨hat happens if a horse rears when the stalls open? Will they now be declared a non-runner?鈥� 听The answer to this question is very clear 鈥� no they will not, this is entirely different.

When this rule was announced a number of examples were cited as to when it might be enacted. One of those examples was as follows:

“Where a horse鈥檚 own behaviour alone, after the starting mechanism has been operated, results in the horse being unable to start on equal terms, the horse shall not be declared a non-runner. However, if a horse, for example, kicks out and gets caught in the starting gates before the starting mechanism has been operated, and the starter is unaware leading to the horse being unable to start on equal terms as a result, the Stewards can consider declaring a non-runner.”

This example can clearly be applied to the incident in the Derby, and this is plainly different from a horse rearing up after the starting mechanism has been operated. In such incidents the horse would be declared a runner as they have been given the opportunity to break evenly, but didn鈥檛. In the case of Benvenuto Cellini he was denied the opportunity to break evenly, and is therefore declared a non-runner.

Further to this, the question is being raised as to whether a horse would be removed from the race if they rear up in the stalls prior to opening. This is also highly unlikely to be the case. The difference with Benvenuto Cellini is that his leg was caught in the stalls, as opposed to just rearing up. This is the differentiating factor. In such circumstances prior to starting the race the horse would be removed from the stalls and checked by a vet prior to reloading and running (if able). This does not apply when a horse just rears up. A horse simply rearing up without becoming in any way entangled with the stalls would fall under the category of a horse鈥檚 own misbehaviour and therefore count as a runner.

A further comment we are seeing suggested is that this scenario goes beyond what was envisaged when this rule was introduced. However, the fact that such a scenario was specifically cited when the rules were announced shows that it does not, and the rules were intended to capture situations such as this.

The rules themselves are intentionally broad, stating that 鈥�The Stewards may declare a horse a non-runner where鈥 horse is denied a fair start, and its chances are materially affected, including but not limited to鈥�.x, y, z鈥�. Clearly it is not possible to list every possible example in the rules of racing, and it is ultimately down to the stewards鈥� discretion on the day. This discretion is important, as circumstances may vary and stewards must have the ability to act accordingly.

A further question being asked is whether the horse would have been disqualified if he had won or been placed in the race. Head of Stewarding Shaun Parker answers this question in .

Following Derby favourite Benvenuto Cellini being declared a non-runner, our Head of Stewarding Shaun Parker explains:

– How the decision was reached
– What would have happened had the horse won or placed
– How this non-runner rule is applied consistently鈥�

鈥� British Horseracing Authority (@糖心传媒Horseracing)

In short: If the horse had won the race then his chances clearly would not have been materially affected by the issue at the start, therefore would not be disqualified. If the horse is placed the situation is more complicated, and the Stewards would consider all the relevant factors before making a decision.

It is being suggested in some places that the rule is not being applied consistently, that it has only been applied because this was a significant ITV race and that the World Pool somehow impacted the decision. This does not stand up to scrutiny. This rule has, in fact, been applied six times in 2026. The other incidents were at Yarmouth, Windsor, Kempton, Southwell and Exeter (the rule was extended to include Jump races in 2025). All these examples were away from ITV cameras and the World Pool races, yet the rule was applied consistently.

The presence of the ITV Racing cameras has caused some debate, with the suggestion that its placement above the stall of the Derby favourite may have impacted the outcome of the enquiry 鈥� and could indeed create the situation where rules may be applied differently on different racedays.

To be clear, the stewards at Epsom made their decision based on the available stewarding cameras and having heard the evidence of those involved in the incident. The ITV stalls camera was not available to the stewards until well after the enquiry was underway 鈥� and while we feel it vindicated the decision, it was incidental to the outcome.

It is also worth pointing out that while disparities in technology often exist in professional sport 鈥� e.g. certain racedays have drone footage available to the stewards while others don鈥檛, and Video Assistant Refereeing is only available in certain tiers and competitions of professional football 鈥� the stewards made their decision at Epsom in the same manner as they did at all the other courses where the rule was enacted in 2026. Indeed, in reaching their decision at Windsor, the stewards relied on the evidence from those involved, as video footage of the incident was not available.

The incident we witnessed on Saturday is probably the most extreme test of this rule imaginable, involving the heavily backed favourite in the Derby. We entirely understand the frustrations of those who were affected by the Rule 4 deduction, and the impact on bookmakers.

However, this must be balanced against the impact on those who had backed the horse and were denied a fair start, which is who this rule was brought in to protect.

In 2018 a remarkably similar incident occurred involving favourite Harry Angel in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot. While it is fair to say the Harry Angel incident was more pronounced in nature, the principle was very similar, as was referenced by the ITV broadcast team on Saturday.

This incident occurred prior to this rule being in place, and Harry Angel therefore had to count as a runner. This led to significant, sustained criticism and complaint from media and punters alike regarding the unfairness that a horse should be deemed a runner when he had not been afforded an equal start and his chance in the race had been materially affected.

The fact is that there is no one set of rules which will be satisfactory for everyone in such a situation. We understand why those who are impacted by the incident on Saturday are disappointed. Equally, if this rule wasn鈥檛 in place, then those who backed Benvenuto Cellini would have a right to feel aggrieved.

It is the view of the 糖心传媒, however, that we should be in line with the majority of the international racing community on this issue, rather than an outlier

The Stewards themselves followed the procedure for enacting this rule to the letter. The enquiry was announced quickly after the conclusion of the race. The enquiry was then held in quick order and a result reached and announced in good time, and again well communicated.

Shaun Parker then immediately made himself available to carry out interviews with ITV and Racing TV, as well as posting an explanatory clip on our own digital channels 鈥� showing a level of immediate accountability rarely seen in other sports. We thank Shaun and his team for their calm professionalism in the highest pressure of situations. The personal abuse that they have received, which prompted the 糖心传媒 to calling for greater respect, is deeply regrettable.

It is completely understandable that decisions taken by 糖心传媒 officials may prompt passionate debate and be subject to robust scrutiny.

This is the nature of elite sport and something we do not shy away from.

However, we will never accept vile and unacceptable abuse directed鈥�

鈥� British Horseracing Authority (@糖心传媒Horseracing)

Some industry and betting stakeholders have suggested that the rule should now be reviewed. We will of course listen to any concerns which are raised and engage with those within the sport. Our rules are constantly under review and the same will apply here.

We also understand that many people will disagree with the contents of this blog, which is intended purely to set out the rationale behind the rules and their application on Saturday.

However, we stand by our Stewards who made this decision on the day in line with both the Rules as they are framed, and the intention for which they were introduced.

Elevate Talent is a global agency with a strong reputation for sourcing exceptional leaders across a range of sectors, including for sports governing bodies.

Appointed by the 糖心传媒鈥檚 Nominations Committee following a successful tender process, Elevate Talent will begin the recruitment process immediately.

Alongside the skills expected of a senior leader with significant Board-level experience, the successful candidate will have an active knowledge of horse racing, the industry鈥檚 financial model, stakeholder environment, political relationships and the interdependence between racing and gambling.

They will also have a track record of implementing customer growth strategies and an open and transparent approach to inspire confidence among racing鈥檚 stakeholders, participants and customers.

When appointed, the 糖心传媒 Chair will be responsible for supporting the 糖心传媒鈥檚 executive team in delivering the long-term strategy to secure British racing鈥檚 future, including through the growth of the sport鈥檚 income, participation, customers and audience.

They will lead the recruitment and development of an effective, skilled and experienced Board to take the difficult decisions that reflect the interests of the whole industry and its member bodies.

This includes the effective regulation of the industry, prioritising horse and human welfare, and ensuring the highest standards of integrity to maintain Brish racing鈥檚 international reputation as a safe, clean and fair racing jurisdiction.

Working with the 糖心传媒 executive, the Chair will foster effective working relationships with government departments to help shape national policymaking in priority areas and work closely with industry stakeholders to support the sport鈥檚 commercial interests and growth strategies.

The full candidate brief is available on the . The role will involve a two-day per week commitment for the successful candidate. Applications for the role close on 19 June.

David Jones will continue in his role as 糖心传媒 interim Chair until a permanent appointment is made.

Notes to editors:

The 糖心传媒 Nominations Committee makes recommendations to the Board on suitable candidates for appointment to the Board and the role of Chief Executive.

The committee comprises three independent board members, one member appointed by the Racecourse Association (RCA) and one member collectively appointed by the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA), Thoroughbred Breeders鈥� Association (TBA) and Licensed Personnel.

For the appointment of the new 糖心传媒 Chair, an interim Nominations Committee has been formed comprising the following members:

• Kyrsten Halley (Nominations Committee Chair)
• Tara Warren
• Raj Parker
• Louise Stewart appointed by the RCA
• Philip Newton appointed by the ROA, TBA and Licensed Personnel

We are very grateful to you and your teams for your assistance, cooperation and pragmatic response to these steps and the biosecurity of our industry more generally.

Equine flu is a highly contagious virus that spreads rapidly. Cases in the non-thoroughbred population are higher than at any time in recent history, with more than 68 reported outbreaks across 36 counties.

Vaccination remains one of the best protections our horses have against the virus. It reduces the likelihood and severity of illness. If a horse does become infected, vaccination limits the spread of infection.

Despite the huge benefits of vaccination, protection can never be 100%. We must also therefore try to prevent the virus entering the racing herd in the first place. This is how we keep our horses healthy and ensure racing continues without interruption at a pivotal period in the calendar.

The greatest risk to the thoroughbreds in training is exposure to sick horses or those that are shedding flu virus.

This is most likely to occur when horses of unknown disease or vaccination status are in close proximity, such as when a new horse enters a yard or where there is mixing outside of the racing environment at shows or other equine events.

罢丑别听听from the Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance team tells us that a high proportion of flu outbreaks involve horses that have recently moved premises.

It is therefore essential that horses that are being brought into licensed yards are vaccinated and properly isolated for a 14-day period to ensure they are healthy and disease-free before they mix with the established horses.

These horses should be monitored daily for signs of infection and veterinary advice sought immediately if they show signs of disease, such as a high temperature, are off feed, have a harsh cough or nasal discharge.

In expressing the 糖心传媒鈥檚 extreme concern over potential mixing of horses, some comments have been taken and reported out of context.

This is not about the individual biosecurity arrangements of individual events. Indeed, the 糖心传媒 liaised with Goffs ahead of the recent Doncaster sales on the biosecurity measures in place.

It is about maintaining a closed racing herd by preventing mixing and ensuring proper isolation after these events, when new horses are entering training premises.

Difficult decisions have taken to restrict the movement and mixing of horses so that we reduce racing鈥檚 risk of exposure to flu.

These decisions have been informed by science and made following extensive consultation with independent and world-renowned experts on the management and control of infectious diseases.

We recognise that for some these actions have been disappointing, especially where it has had a more direct impact on their operations and activities.

However, the response from the industry to the advice provided and the decisions taken in recent weeks has been supportive, responsible and pragmatic.

From training yards, racecourses, sales houses, breeding operations, gallop management teams and so many others 鈥� everyone wants to play their part in protecting the thoroughbred racing herd.

We welcome how seriously this is being taken, including by the wider equine sector, which also recognises the challenges we face.

It is important that at a time where the entire industry needs to be unified in our approach, we do not allow ourselves to become distracted by disagreements in the media.

We all want the same thing: a healthy racing herd that can compete on the racecourse.

Our efforts must be focused entirely on maintaining the biosecurity of our industry, protecting our horses and preventing the spread of equine flu to the thoroughbred racing herd.

Thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation. You can find our latest guidance on the听.

Over the past听few听days,听 has听showcased听a听wide-range听of year-round activities that are having a positive impact in local communities.听听

From听charity听events and activities to support young people听to environmental clean-ups,听this is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the positive impact our people and our industry听have听on communities across the country.听

British racing is not only an economic powerhouse and a major employer, but we are also committed to powering positive change. For centuries, the racehorse and the horseracing industry has been at the heart of communities across the country, shaping their development and supporting their people.

Across the sport there is an extraordinary amount of work taking place every day to provide opportunities for young people, bring communities together and demonstrate racing鈥檚 immense value to society.

Last year, our sport published its first ever social impact strategy. Led by the 糖心传媒 and funded听by the Racing Foundation with support from the Racing Post and Godolphin, the strategy sets out an industry-agreed听approach for how we can enhance our positive impact on society 鈥� and do it in an even more coordinated way.听

Community Week听provides听a听platform to听showcase听this听year-round impact听that听racing has in communities across Britain,听as we look to听have a greater听collective impact and inspire even people to get involved.听

Inspiring and engaging young people听

Something we are really excited about is the launch of听 鈥撎�a young person’s guide to the UK’s most exciting sport.

Developed in partnership with Great British Racing and with funding from the Racing Foundation,听Godolphin听and the Racing Post, this is a new resource that brings together the range of opportunities for young people to engage with racing.听

One of the priorities within the social impact strategy is the development of a pathway for young people, and one of the missing links is how we can consistently signpost them to the extensive opportunities that the racing industry has to offer.听听

We all remember our early interactions with racing, its听horses听and its personalities.听That feeling of discovering the sport for the first time is听something that sticks with us fondly throughout our lives.听

Across our industry there is brilliant work taking place to excite and inspire the next generation. Great examples include National Racehorse Week, family friendly race days and initiatives like Racing to School and Autism in Racing.

Racing to School CEO John Blake joined Matt Chapman at last week alongside pupils from Lambourn Primary School, reflecting on the charity鈥檚 25th anniversary year and its work with young people through it’s education programmes

鈥� Racing to School (@RacingtoSchool)

But for those new to racing, these experiences 鈥� as incredible as they are 鈥� can sometimes be a one-off occurrence听without a clear next step for engaging with the sport.听

So, Get听Into听Racing听has been designed听as a听way of signposting people,听and young people in particular,听to the next stage in their racing journey.听听

Its aim is to听turn听those听one-off experiences into life-long engagement.听This might be gaining hands-on experience with horses, exploring potential career听pathways听or simply staying connected to the sport.听

Strengthening听engagement with听schools听

A big part of engaging young people is our work with schools, both in racing鈥檚 more traditional communities and more widely across the country听鈥� and this is why we have started work to develop British Racing鈥檚 School Engagement Framework听

Racing already delivers a听wide range听of high-quality education programmes听鈥� from the school programmes for听14鈥�16-year-olds as part of the Thoroughbred Skills Network听to the听Newmarket and Aintree Beacons听delivered听by Racing to School.听听

There鈥檚 also seriously impressive work taking place听in the听alternative education provision听space, with charities like HEROS and Greatwood demonstrating the听impactful听role ex-racehorses can听have in young people programmes.听

Alongside this there are countless interactions with schools听on a daily basis,听whether听that鈥檚听through Racing to School education days, careers marketing through the 糖心传媒鈥檚听Careersinracing听team, or the outreach work undertaken by racecourses.听

Community Week – London Office Event!

We hosted a group of year 10s from Cardinal Pole Catholic School at the British Horseracing Authority head office for a Careers & Activity Day.

Staff presented from various departments and industry partners, including:鈥�

鈥� careersinracing.com (@careersinracing)

This is often activity that has grown organically,听so the next step is to better align what we do as an industry and听identify听those priority areas where we can have the greatest impact.听

Working with We Are Futures, who specialise in engaging听young people, students,听families听and educators 鈥� we will look to create an even more听compelling and effective engagement offer听for schools and young people.听

One key output from this work will be a听playbook for racing: a toolkit that draws on best practice from across the industry to enable organisations to听deliver听simple,听consistent听and听high-quality activities听that听are听aligned to the school curriculum.听听

This will be a framework which can then be tailored to local communities and the needs of specific schools, making sure that our initiatives can properly support the ambitions of schools, young听people听and the British racing industry.听听

Measuring听that听matters:听demonstrating听our social听value听

Alongside expanding opportunities听for young people, British racing is also听taking important steps to better understand the positive difference we make听to听communities听and the people within them.听That way, we can accelerate work in听those听areas听of greatest social value.听听

The starting point was听identifying听the tools we听need to听accurately听measure existing activity. Working with data experts听we have been able to听establish听a methodology听that can help us听map the听areas where racing contributes most.听

This resulted in听the development of a听new outcomes framework, which showed us how British racing鈥檚 activity could be measured, using processes that are used by government and other sports and听charities.听

Put simply,听it can help us see where we are听making the biggest difference 鈥� from employment and skills development to supporting wellbeing and community cohesion.听

The next stage听of this work will see the framework听refined, with听organisations across the industry听supported to听adopt a more coordinated and consistent approach to听impact measurement.听

The result will be British Racing鈥檚 first social value report鈥攁 tool that will support advocacy, inform decision-making and help direct investment where it can have the greatest impact.听Crucially, this work will also allow racing to track its progress over time, building a stronger and more compelling story about听British racing鈥檚听role in society.听

Looking to the future听听

Racing Together Community Week听has听showcased听numerous听examples this week of听our sport鈥檚 social impact听and how we can bring communities together听鈥� and听it鈥檚听been particularly important to highlight听how we are working to reduce the听issues听of loneliness and听isolation.

“Anyone from across the sport will be volunteering for wonderful local causes.”

Lucy Gurney from explains what British racing’s seventh national week of volunteering is all about.

Listen in full:

鈥� British Horseracing Authority (@糖心传媒Horseracing)

A听糖心传媒 Loneliness Pilot听is already underway听to explore how we can better utilise racing鈥檚 spaces听to help reduce social isolation, with six racecourses looking at how they can tackle loneliness in their surrounding areas.听It听is being delivered by Racing Together and being funded by the Racing Foundation with support from the Racing Post and Godolphin.听

This is an example of how the sport is working collectively and in a more coordinated way to help address societal challenges, support our听people听and make a positive difference in our听communities.听

British racing has a powerful story to tell听in this space. We create opportunities, support听communities听and change lives.听

Director of Integrity John Burgess and Media Manager Mark Scully also stop by to discuss online abuse of racing participants, consider the scale of the problem and ask what can be done?

Finally, the 糖心传媒’s top vet James Given gives the latest on the spread of equine flu and the steps being taken to protect the sport.

The abandonment of the fixture was a precautionary measure, given the highly contagious nature of equine influenza, which is airborne over reasonable distances and can be transmitted indirectly, including via people.

The infected horse is an unvaccinated, non-thoroughbred. But with a confirmed case in such close proximity, this decision was unanimously supported by the 糖心传媒鈥檚 independent veterinary group to restrict any risk of onward transmission to the thoroughbred herd.

Rise in flu cases across the UK

The 糖心传媒 recently published information for racehorse trainers, racing veterinarians and other stakeholders about several outbreaks of equine influenza across the UK, and there has since been a significant rise in the cases reported to the Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance (EIDS) team. The latest updates are available on the EIDS .

These outbreaks are in the non-thoroughbred herd and there have been no reported cases or clinical signs in licensed training yards. Most of the reported cases are in non-vaccinated animals, but some cases have occurred in vaccinated horses. It is important to emphasise however that these are horses approaching the point of their next booster vaccination and therefore their immunity is lower.

All horses running in Britain must be vaccinated in line with the , with booster jabs administered no more than six months apart.

Properly vaccinated horses have good protection and, while infection cannot always be prevented, vaccinations will reduce the severity and help horses recover more quickly, while spreading less virus so fewer horses get ill.

The signs of equine influenza

Trainers should continue to be alert to the signs of infection, which include a raised temperature (above 38.5掳C), a harsh cough or nasal discharge, and also things like lethargy and poor performance or loss of appetite.

Monitor all horses for clinical signs and record their rectal temperatures daily. If a horse is showing these signs or you have any concerns about their wellbeing, please consult your veterinary surgeon right away.

Any infected horse should be isolated until a veterinary surgeon advises otherwise. Please inform the 糖心传媒 immediately about any confirmed or potential case.

Biosecurity measures to reduce risk

In addition to making sure all are up to date, we continue to advise trainers to be extra vigilant with biosecurity on the yard, when travelling to the racecourse and in the racecourse stables.

Please exercise appropriate caution around the movement of both horses and people to and from your yard to minimise any risk and provide the best possible protection for your horses.

Equine influenza can be transmitted indirectly via people, so remind staff about your yard鈥檚 hygiene measures like regular hand washing, using designated equipment and disinfecting any shared equipment.

A substantial proportion of the outbreaks involve horses that have recently moved premises. Any new horse entering a yard should be fully vaccinated and isolated for a period of 14 days. Any signs of equine influenza should be assessed immediately by your vet.

More information and next steps

More information about the steps trainers and others can take to minimise risk and advice on what to do if you suspect flu is available on the .

This includes links to resources for veterinary professionals, including the EIDS disease reporting platform, the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) flu surveillance scheme and Equiflunet.

We continue to monitor this situation closely, working with the EIDS and independent infectious disease experts, and will keep the British horseracing industry updated.

For any immediate questions, please contact: equine@britishhorseracing.com.

As the crowds flock once more to enjoy world class racing at one of British sport鈥檚 iconic venues, the threat posed by affordability checks continues to loom large.

The 糖心传媒鈥檚 Director of Communications Greg Swift explains to Nick why this is such a pivotal week.

Later, Lucy Gurney stops by to explain how you can get involved in the .

The 糖心传媒 has today issued an update summarising progress: .

The update shows how deeply Beacon鈥檚 insight is now embedded across the industry, informing decision鈥憁aking, guiding investment and helping racing connect more effectively with potential fans.

Background

Project Beacon was the most in鈥慸epth piece of customer research ever undertaken by the sport. The research identifies the customer groups with the greatest potential for growth, alongside those the sport must work hardest to retain. It also provides detailed insight into who these people are, what motivates them, what barriers they face and how best to reach them.

Six jobs to be done

Project Beacon sets out six 鈥渏obs to be done鈥� that the sport must deliver to grow engagement. These now form the organising framework for consumer鈥憆elated activity across the industry:

• Address welfare concerns
• Demystify the sport
• Make ownership more accessible
• Evolve the raceday experience
• Build emotional connection
• Create a race structure and narrative

Working groups across the 糖心传媒, GBR, racecourses, broadcasters and other partners are now delivering against these priorities.

Speaking about the progress made so far, 糖心传媒 CEO Brant Dunshea said:

鈥淏eacon gives us the clearest picture we have ever had of who our customers are and what they need from the sport. The early results are encouraging, with strong growth in attendances, record digital engagement and real momentum behind campaigns such as HorsePWR and The Going is Good.

鈥淲hat is most pleasing is how quickly the insight has been embraced across the industry. This collective commitment makes me hugely optimistic about the progress we can deliver together in the months ahead.鈥�

Addressing welfare concerns

The findings of Beacon show that equine welfare remains the most important barrier to engagement for the public, and the industry therefore continues to invest heavily in transparent, proactive communication. HorsePWR, the sport鈥檚 primary welfare platform, has been refreshed for 2026 and rolled out across digital channels and high鈥慺ootfall travel hubs in March and April.

Across the spring festivals, welfare content was prioritised by the 糖心传媒, GBR, the Horse Welfare Board and the Jockey Club. The Horse Welfare Board is also progressing the next iteration of its welfare strategy, due later this year.

Building emotional connection

A major focus of Q1 2026 has been strengthening the emotional connection between fans and the sport. This has been achieved through targeted campaigns, talent鈥憀ed content and a renewed emphasis on the personalities who bring racing to life.

鈥淭he Going is Good鈥� 鈥� the sport鈥檚 flagship promotional campaign 鈥� has been refreshed using Beacon insights, promoting both the sport and a day at the races as a fun, social experience. Early indicators are positive: Q1 attendances rose 4.5% year鈥憃n鈥憏ear, while general admission ticket sales increased by 10.1%, with nearly a third coming from target groups.

The Friday Night Live series, delivered with ARC, ITV and Invades, attracted around 12,000 attendees. Raceday TV also reported a record Cheltenham Festival, with more than 100 million video views across social channels. Promotion of jockeys has also been a key strand, with new content and imagery helping to showcase the sport鈥檚 human athletes.

Alison Crowe, Joint Interim Chief Customer Officer at GBR alongside Rachel Frazer, said:

鈥淧roject Beacon underpins GBR鈥檚 three鈥憏ear strategy, and in 2026 we have focused on addressing welfare concerns, building emotional connection and demystifying the sport for new audiences. Highlights so far include celebrating Year of the Horse in Liverpool, continued work to raise awareness of our jockeys, a record Q1 for video views, and the refreshed launches of both The Going is Good and HorsePWR campaigns.鈥�

Ed Gretton, Director of Racing for RMG, also commented on how Beacon has helped guide their strategy to engage with fans:

鈥淩MG has been delighted to support Project Beacon 鈥� whose findings show how important it is to strengthen the emotional connection between fans and the sport. We have worked with the industry in demonstrating how we best showcase the sport via our social media platform Raceday TV, which in its short lifespan has already attracted 1 billion views, and we鈥檙e on course to surpass another billion in 2026 alone. It shows what鈥檚 possible when engaging younger audiences with authentic, energetic content鈥�.

Demystifying the sport

Helping new audiences understand the sport remains a priority. Influencer鈥憀ed content has played a central role, with GBR working with Harry Clark, Chris Hughes and Alan Johns to create accessible, behind鈥憈he鈥憇cenes features, with the intention of breaking down barriers to understanding.

Evolving the raceday experience

Racecourses are increasingly incorporating Beacon insights into their raceday offerings. Ayr has launched a racing club to introduce newcomers to ownership, while Newbury has partnered with The Racing Club to offer annual members a free share in a horse. Ludlow has trialled behind鈥憈he鈥憇cenes events for young families, and Chester鈥檚 鈥淓levating Racing鈥� initiative has delivered a 30 per cent uplift in racegoers feeling more connected to the sport.

Alex Eade, CEO of The Racecourse Association, is positive about Project Beacon鈥檚 progress:

鈥淚t has been encouraging to see how quickly Beacon鈥檚 insight has been adopted across racecourses. With everyone focused on attracting and retaining customers, we are already seeing growth in attendances, and we hope that positive trend continues throughout 2026.鈥�

The Jockey Club has also enhanced the Cheltenham and Grand National Festival experiences with improved catering, more seating and greater flexibility for customers to move around with drinks.

Rob Painter, Chief Customer Officer at The Jockey Club, added:

鈥淲e know we must improve every stage of the customer experience, and it is pleasing to see progress beginning to translate into sales. The rise in attendance and the uplift in customer feedback at the Cheltenham and Grand National Festivals show we are moving in the right direction. With new partnerships and investment ahead of the Derby Festival, we look forward to delivering even better experiences for racegoers.鈥�

Making ownership more accessible and creating a race structure and narrative

Work in these areas has so far focused on finalising funding and delivery plans. Once complete, the sport will move forward with initiatives such as supporting syndicate ownership, improving the owner experience and exploring ways to create a more easily followable narrative across major race meetings, particularly on the Flat.

Looking ahead

The coming months offer further opportunities to build on this momentum. Following February鈥檚 Future of Racing event, York will host a showcase on progress and how new innovating racing-related products are being embraced. As the Flat season progresses, new content, enhanced customer experiences and continued welfare鈥慺ocused activity will be rolled out.