A letter to owners

21 March 2020

Dear Owner

The ROA has been representing owners for over 70 years through good years and trying times. Today we face a challenge, global in scale, which affects all of us. These are unprecedented times and we are facing decisions and challenges unthinkable only a week ago.  

I want to assure you that the ROA is working around the clock to support you and British racing. Owners are the lifeblood of the industry and have a vital role to play.

In recent days difficult decisions have been made regarding racing fixtures, in order to protect the wellbeing of those working in the industry and, most importantly, to ensure that vital public and emergency services can focus on saving lives. All of us want a return to racing as quickly as possible; however, as owners and as a sport, we must come together and put the national interest first – public health and safety is paramount.

I am acutely aware this is not just a global health pandemic but, as has been seen with stark reality over the past few days, this is a global financial crisis.

I wanted to explain some of the work that The ROA has undertaken in the past 96 hours as a body and within the industry COVID-19 group, to protect and support owners and racing. Below I outline the initiatives in brief:

  1. Government Financial Relief: The ROA, as part of the industry plan, has been developing an initial package of financial relief measures for industry participants to be submitted to the Government.
  2. Racing Preparedness: The ROA is contributing to programming and raceday planning to ensure racing can return as soon as possible, safely and effectively.
  3. Business Rates Holidays: The ROA is supporting BHA and NTF work on extending business rates holidays to training establishments to ensure that yards benefit from the same financial relief measures available to retail, leisure and hospitality properties.
  4. Government Health Guidance: The ROA continues to stress the importance of Government health guidance to all owners, especially in regard to visiting racing establishments, to maintain social distancing measures effectively and self-isolating you and your household if you experience symptoms.
  5. Industry Collaboration: The ROA continues to work alongside the Horsemen’s Group to support affected businesses and staff within the industry, highlighting available Government relief and identifying further need for relief.

These initiatives together are designed to support owners, provide guidance on government advice and support the wider racing industry, as we respond to this crisis together, and safely return to racing as quickly as possible. Our country and our sport are in uncharted waters and, as owners, I know I can count on your unerring support and common sense in these matters during this time. 

We are doing our utmost to ensure you are heard. We will continue to update you with further information as appropriate. Please, if you would like to raise an issue or contribute to the discussion around further support, do not hesitate to contact me on [email protected]   

Yours sincerely,

Charlie Liverton

Chief Executive

Racehorse Owners Association

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