ROA Blog – From the Chief Executive

I was recently asked by an owner to be more direct about what is happening in British racing and to bring owners closer to the work of the ROA.  Therefore, I plan to provide you regular updates on the challenges we face and the work underway at the ROA. So, here it goes.
 
Why racing needs a top-down and bottom-up approach to support owners
 
I’m starting with the BHA’s Trainer Bonus Scheme. There has been a range of views from across the sport both in support and questioning what is being done for the wider racing pyramid, particularly across Classes 3–6. The reality is, we need both a top-down and bottom-up approach. This initiative has been developed following strong justification from the High-Quality Horse Group. While the ROA does not sit on that group, we are represented on the Racing Committee, Commercial Committee and the BHA Board, and we recognise the very real challenge of attracting and retaining high-quality jump horses in Britain. This scheme is a step towards addressing that -but it is only one step.
 
We fully support the need to trial new and innovative ideas that encourage investment in breeding, buying, owning and training horses in Britain, particularly given the pressures on owner numbers, horse population and foal crops. However, these measures must work across the whole ownership base. This scheme was developed last year but only recently launched due to process and approvals. Its aim - to retain top-quality jump horses in Britain and attract domestically based owners back from overseas - is valid. But in isolation, it risks being seen as another initiative focused solely on the top end of the sport. That cannot be the only focus.
 
Earlier this month two owner-focused proposals were discussed at the Racing Committee. One was an appearance money scheme for fifth and sixth place in developmental races. The ROA supported it - any return to owners is welcome in the current climate but the proposal was limited, with a total value of £475,000 compared to previous schemes of around £6 million per year. It did not gain wider backing.
 
More broadly, reintroduction of a meaningful appearance money scheme has been discussed and faced challenges, particularly around equine welfare that align with the industry’s Horse Welfare Strategy. Alternative ideas, such as travel cost support - in a similar system to France - also present challenges, including environmental considerations aligned with the sport’s Sustainability strategy. That said, the principle of supporting owners through appearance-based incentives remains important. The challenge now is to find a solution that balances meaningful financial support with the wider responsibilities and constraints the sport is working within.
 
The second proposal saw the ROA present a concept to refund entry fees for all runners in Classes 3–6 that do not finish in the prize money. The projected cost to Levy would be £1.6 million per annum. One response in the room was that, given the wider cost of ownership per run, such a measure would feel “insulting” to owners. I argue the opposite - that doing nothing is what is insulting.
 
We have to find a way forward. This type of intervention has real potential. It is not the full solution, but it is a practical step that directly supports the lower end of the ownership pyramid an area the sport fundamentally relies on and cannot continue to overlook while focusing on top-end incentives. It requires further development, and we will progress that as a matter of urgency. Our aim is clear: Work with the sport to build a suite of measures that work bottom-up, alongside those operating top-down.
 
I hope you have enjoyed this first blog and insight into the work we and the sport are doing on behalf of all owners. As always, thank you for your support and if you have any questions please direct them to [email protected].