ROA Weekly Update

Dear Member

The ROA is committed to keeping you up-to-speed with developments and ever more so in these difficult times – it is critical that we as industry ensure that you are kept fully abreast in the coming weeks and months.
 
Starting today, I will be delivering a weekly update. In this I will update you on what the ROA has been doing to represent owners and support the wider industry.
 
Since my previous letter to you last Friday, the industry has continued to move at pace, lobbying for Government support and looking at how to get us racing again. Here is some further detail on just two of the initiatives we’ve been pursuing:

1. Government Support for British racing

The Team here at the ROA have been working with the BHA and other industry stakeholders to develop a package of measures that provide both direct and indirect support to the racing industry. The package is being designed to provide support across industry’s stakeholders from Owners and breeders to trainers, jockeys and racecourses. 

2. Resumption of Racing Steering Group

Work has begun to get us back racing with the first meeting of the newly formed Resumption of Racing Steering Group. Representatives from the BHA, ROA, NTF, RCA and the Levy Board, met on Monday to start planning and ensure that all the necessary preparation has been done to support a timely resumption of racing.
 
The Steering Group is working through the operational, logistical and regulatory requirements as well as planning for appropriate fixtures and race programme. It has committed to continue preparations and keep the situation under constant review. More information on its work can be found in today’s announcement available on our News page. I will continue to update you on its progress when possible.
 
I know that the lack of racing is a significant worry for our industry, but we must adhere to the Government’s advice and the desire to protect people and our emergency services; however, that does not mean we cannot be prepared. That is why we are working hard to see racing back as soon as it is possible and responsible to do so.
 
I will provide another update on the situation next week. In the meantime, we will continue to update our COVID-19 Guidance page regularly, where you can find all information relating to the coronavirus outbreak and the work of the ROA as well as signposting to other BHA and industry body updates.
 
As ever, if you have any questions or would like to get in touch, please do contact us on [email protected].
 
Yours sincerely and please keep safe,