The Voice of Racehorse Owners: Standing Up, Speaking Out
From Louise Norman, Chief Executive, ROA
Welcome to the first in a regular series of thought leadership pieces from the ROA. Each month, we’ll use this space to share what we’re seeing, thinking, and doing on behalf of racehorse owners and ROA members.
There’s no shortage of issues facing British racing right now. But let me start with three that I believe need your attention:
1. Why #AxeTheRacingTax matters
You may have seen the launch of the #AxeTheRacingTax campaign by the BHA, an urgent call for Government to rethink a proposal that could cost British racing millions a year.
It’s technical, yes. But the impact is personal: less prize money, reduced racecourse investment, and more pressure on owners. This proposed change, treating racing like online casinos, isn’t just bad policy. It’s fundamentally unfair.
We’re backing the campaign, and we need owners like you to add your voice. Whist the consultation ends on the 21st July we still encourage you to write to your MP which can make a real difference. You can find out how to take action here.
2. Calling all ROA members: Stand for election to the ROA Board
As we continue strengthening the voice of owners, I want to highlight a powerful way to get more involved: standing for election to the ROA Board. We’re inviting applications from ROA members for three Board positions and are particularly keen to hear from members who understand the realities of ownership today and want to shape its future.
If you have board-level experience, strategic insight, and a passion for making ownership better, please consider applying. For the first time, eligibility has expanded, if you own at least 50% of one horse registered in Britain, or hold combined interests totalling 50% across multiple horses, you’re now eligible to stand.
This is a moment for leadership. The deadline to submit your application is 1 August. Full details here.
3. The politics of racing: keeping owners in the room
Much continues to shift behind the scenes in racing’s governance. Lord Allen, the BHA’s incoming Chair, has delayed his start. Structural reform remains under active discussion. The complexity is real, but so is the need for clear, consistent owner representation at every level of the sport.
That’s why the ROA issued a public statement last week, reinforcing our position. Reform is necessary and we support it in principle, we have been actively engaged, and involved throughout this process, focussed on ensuring that any new structure delivers for the long-term health of the sport, including the central role of owners within it. We won’t go deep into the politics here. But rest assured: the ROA is at the table, fully engaged, and focused on ensuring that owners have a permanent and respected voice in every major decision whilst also working to protect the future of the sport.
Finally, thank you to the more than 1,400 ROA members and owners who took part in our recent research. The insights you shared, honest, rich, and at times challenging are already shaping how we work. We’ll be sharing more of this insight with our members very soon.
This is your Association. This is your sport. And our job is to fight for your place in it.
– Louise Norman
Chief Executive, Racehorse Owners Association