ROA Weekly Update
Dear Owners,
When I wrote last week, I promised to send a weekly update on developments and give you a sense of the work we’ve been doing on your behalf to support the interests of owners and the industry.
This past week has been another one of intense activity as we’ve sought to push forward a number of initiatives. There are three I’d like to highlight today, and I hope to be in a position next week to give you more detail on another piece of work we’ve been undertaking.
1. Resumption of Racing
The Resumption of Racing Group met for the second time earlier this week. Our Board member Charlie Parker attended on the ROA’s behalf and was encouraged by the work that has been done already to try and facilitate a return to racing, whenever this is possible. The Group focussed on two areas; firstly, a race programme that eliminates risk to its participants wherever possible and secondly, in a way that ensures that racing can happen behind closed doors whilst adhering to Government guidelines with regards to social distancing.
The decision was also taken to resume Jump racing no earlier than July 2020 to ensure that those who own, or train jumps horses, have a clear a picture as to how the Group is planning to proceed in the coming months. Additionally, the Group were keen to minimise the risk of any unnecessary expenditure by confirming that there will be no jump racing before 1st July. This will allow horses to have breaks away from training yards if owners wish them to.
There is a genuine desire from all parts of the industry to return as soon as possible, and the Resumption of Racing Group will continue to meet to ensure that this happens.
2. Government Support for British Racing
The BHA have now submitted a strong package of measures for support to the racing industry to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Specific measures to financially support owners, breeders and horses in training were included. These measures are now being considered by DCMS and discussions will continue next week.
The industry will continue to work with Government to understand how the financial initiatives already announced can be applied to our industry, as well as make representations to them to ensure that more specific initiatives that meet our industries needs are considered more fully.
3. Industry Support for British Racing
The ROA are also working with other Industry stakeholders to pull together a range of financial support measures to help support those in the industry that need it most. Throughout this period, we must ensure that both equine and people welfare are at the forefront of our minds when distributing industry funds. The ROA are looking at a range of ways to make sure our industry has a safety net for the horses, people and businesses our industry relies on. I hope to update you further on industry support initiatives over the coming weeks.
These are challenging times for us all. We’re working hard to support the sport we love and will continue to do so.
As always, full guidance on COVID-19 is available here and please be in touch with any questions on [email protected]. Meanwhile, please take care and keep well.
Yours sincerely
Charlie Liverton
Chief Executive
Racehorse Owners Association