A message from the ROA
Dear owners,
During these challenging and uncertain times, I have been amazed and inspired by the spirit of owners and everyone else in the racing family. Pulling together and finding a way forward has been the overriding theme over the last few weeks and we must maintain that fighting spirit, to ensure that racing is in a position to thrive when this crisis is over.
Our industry has been severely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The resultant financial pressures mean that racing’s suspension has threatened the livelihoods of people throughout this sport. As owners, you are the lifeblood of the industry and your continued individual support to horses, stable staff and trainers is invaluable.
Together, our continued show of strength will help this industry survive during this difficult time.
Over the last few weeks, through virtual meetings covering issues ranging from hardship relief to resumption, I have seen first-hand the constantly developing challenges this crisis is creating. Racing is in a precarious position and we should make no bones about the fact that the retention of owners and their horses, jobs, livelihoods and welfare standards, things we have worked so hard to build as an industry, are on the line.
Yet, given the circumstances in which we find ourselves, I continue to see so much of what we all love about this sport and what has tied me for so long to this industry: a passion for horses and a will to fight and thrive.
In April, the industry agreed an unprecedented £22 million package of relief support for the most vulnerable people, businesses, and horses in our sport – a vital safety net to protect those most at risk. Our working groups came together and agreed a plan for the resumption of racing at exceptional speed, giving the industry some hope, which would enable money to start flowing back through our sport.
As we continue our dialogue, there will undoubtedly be more to do to keep racing ticking over and ready for a return to action. That includes working with other sports to show exactly what we mean to people across the country.
The fragility of the situation can present frustrations and we are working hard to overcome them. We continue to ensure that the owners’ role in sustaining the sport is recognised. We want to do more, and are working hard, to protect and incentivise the number of horses in training. We want to see racing back across the country. This period has forced us to face harsh realities but it will not dissuade us from doing all we can for owners and the sport of racing.
There is a comforting reality to what the racing community stands for and how we do our bit for Britain. Racing contributes £4.1 billion to the UK economy and indirectly employs 85,000 people, playing a central role throughout rural communities across the country. Owners provide over £600m directly into the racing industry, which pays £275m in taxes to the Treasury.
Racing is important to Britain. Owners are important to racing. We can deliver for racing’s future, together.
Every day I see our stakeholder bodies working together, individual owners supporting their horses and trainers, and yards supporting their stable staff. It gives me increased confidence that, as a community, we are doing our utmost for a sport we all love.
I look forward to the day when I can see you all on the racecourse again. Until then we will be working hard to ensure we have a sport to return to that can continue to prosper once Covid-19 has been defeated.