BHA introduces new rules and opens fifth iteration of the Workforce Survey

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has unveiled new Rules of Racing to improve horse welfare. 

This is part of Project Beacon, which hopes to improve public trust in the sport, while also raising education on potential equine issues. 

Under the new rules, horses will be required to remain on the racecourse for at least 45 minutes after their race. 

This is to create time for the horses to hydrate or show any signs of injuries that can be tackled by a veterinary officer or equine welfare integrity officer before the horse travels home. 

Additionally, following consultations with stakeholders, the BHA has updated a list of horseshoes that will not be permitted on the racecourse. 

These include shoes with studs, trailered heels or exposed edges. 

By introducing enhanced measures to protect horse welfare, the BHA hopes that the public will reconnect with the sport and partake in race days and wagering. 

Since the launch of Project Beacon, the BHA has seen increased ticket sales and admissions to racecourses across the UK. 

As for the Workforce Survey, this has been commissioned by the BHA’s Industry People Team and funded by the Racing Foundation.

The Survey will be offered to staff across the industry to gain insight into how the industry can effectively support meaningful career progression, address skills gaps, and drive improvements in workplace culture or wellbeing.

Jon Pett, Industry People Programme Director, said: “The feedback received from the 2023 survey directly helped to shape the workforce strategy, ‘Our People, Racing’s Future’, and has helped to build the foundations of a number of initiatives which are designed to positively impact our workforce or those working in support of them.

“Understanding what the workforce needs now, and how those needs are evolving, is critical to ensuring people working in racing can thrive and that the future measures we implement are as effective as possible. Continuing to listen to the views and requirements of employers and employees is central to this.

“For this reason, we would encourage everyone who receives the survey to respond and share their opinions and experiences. Everyone’s feedback is highly valued and will directly inform future steps to enhance the support and training for racing’s workforce.”