ROA weekly update

Dear Owners,

As we step into the Easter Weekend, I wanted to give you all a quick update on another busy week at the ROA. As I am sure you will have read, work continues at pace behind the scenes to prepare for a resumption in racing and we continue to focus on supporting owners and the industry through this challenging period.

1. Resumption of Racing

As per yesterday’s statement from the BHA, the Resumption of Racing Group has been working hard to develop a framework to enable racing to resume on a daily basis, under strict criteria that meet Government guidelines. The nation’s health and safety, as well as our own participants, continue to be the focus in this resumption, but rest assured the Group is running through all possibilities to get racing back on as soon as possible. We are clear that it is vital to the long term prosperity and sustainability of our sport. I will have a further update next week, when the Group will meet again to review its resumption plans.

2. Government Interaction

The Government continues to hold weekly briefings with sporting bodies, including the BHA, to understand the impacts of the current situation and what steps industries are taking to ‘self-help’. As I mentioned last week, racing has provided a collective response on support to Government and discussions continue. Racing’s stakeholders are talking to local MPs and political supporters of racing about the industry’s submission. Racing is working hard to support the country through this crisis, including at Haydock where they are set to become a drive-in coronavirus testing centre for NHS workers and Newbury racecourse opening up its kitchens to become a Meals on Wheels hub to help feed the vulnerable. I will continue to update you on the progress being made.

3. Moving Horses

Alongside our work with Government, we continue to update our guidance to help owners on a variety of areas affected by COVID-19. This week further guidance has been issued on the transport of horses by The Thoroughbred Breeders Association. Owners can find the information here and our team is available to help with any queries you have.

 

As always, full guidance on COVID-19 is available here and please be in touch with any questions on [email protected].

I hope you all have a fantastic Easter and keep safe.

Yours sincerely

 

Charlie Liverton

Chief Executive

Racehorse Owners Association