The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is the independent body responsible for regulating the sport of horseracing. It works closely with animal charities across the UK to ensure that the highest of standards are upheld. Britain is regarded as having one of the best regulated racing environments across the world.
I welcome the creation of the racing industry's Horse Welfare Board, which includes members from across the racing industry, veterinarians and animal health and welfare experts. The Board is committed to doing all it can to make the sport safer and I am encouraged by the publication of the Board's five-year horse welfare strategy. The strategy contains 20 recommendations for the industry aimed at ensuring the best possible safety and quality of life for racehorses.
Currently, the BHA requires that whips used in horse racing must be used responsibly, for safety reasons and only to encourage the horse. If the rules are broken, the jockey may be banned from racing for a certain number of days depending on the seriousness of the offence. The Horse Welfare Strategy recommends that, as a minimum, the penalties for misuse of the whip need to increase and that the BHA should conduct a consultation on the use of the whip. While I am aware the consultation process has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, a new timetable will be agreed at an appropriate point in the future.
More must be done to improve racehorse safety and welfare so I am pleased that Ministers and Officials are in regular contact with the British Horseracing Authority about the safety and welfare of racehorses, and to understand what the industry is doing to reduce the number of fatalities. While there is an element of risk with any sport, it is critical the industry does all it can to make the sport safer.
