FEI to maintain protective measures regarding Russian and Belarusian athletes
A New Era in Racing: HISA’s Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) regulations
Horseracing Integrity & Safety Authority Ruled Unconstitutional - What Happened & Why (NHBPA V Black)
Sustainability In Horseracing Report – Has The Race For A Sustainable Future Begun?
Minor changes to Rules of Racing - British Horse Racing Authority
Increases to minimum race values agreed for 2023 as British racing’s Fixture List is published
BEVA, BEF and BHA collaborate to monitor interruptions to supply of Equine Influenza vaccines
Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit Announces Appointments to Executive Leadership Team
The Lifecycle Of An International Athlete - Key UK Income Tax Considerations For Non-Residents
British Racing partners with HEROS to expand its safety net and begins roll-out of further aftercare initiatives
Improving standards and enhanced deterrents at the heart of 20 recommendations published as part of British horseracing’s whip report
Summary findings published from initial research into environmental sustainability in British racing
Announcement Concerning Enforcement of HISA Racetrack Safety Rules and Registration Requirements
Bullying In The Weighing Room – Will Bryony Frost's Case Mark A Sea Change For Sports?
Industry united in bid to improve British racing’s culture of respect
Key Sports Law Cases And Developments Of 2021 – UK & Ireland
Notice of an Enquiry (R. Dunne) to be heard by the Disciplinary Panel from Tuesday 30 November
The independent Disciplinary Panel of the British Horseracing Authority will convene from Tuesday 30 November 2021, with five additional dates reserved, to consider whether Licensed Jockey Robbie Dunne is in breach of the following Rules of Racing:
55th International Conference – Racing’s Future in the Spotlight
The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) has launched the 55th International Conference of Horseracing Authorities. Held virtually for the second consecutive year, the 2021 Conference examines global racing’s evolution and future challenges. The Japan Racing Association (JRA), also a member of the ARF, is the official partner of this year’s Conference.
Trainer Johnny Farrelly excluded from British racing
Following a five-day hearing in front of the National Safeguarding Panel (NSP), trainer Johnny Farrelly has today been found in breach of six offences under Regulation 4 and one under Regulation 6 of the BHA Safeguarding Regulations following a referral by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) to the National Safeguarding Panel.
Result of an Enquiry (D. Flood) heard by the Disciplinary Panel on Monday 20 September 2021
A hearing of the Independent Disciplinary Panel of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) to enquire as to whether Mr David Flood, a licensed trainer was in breach of (J)21 of the Rules of Racing in that he allegedly verbally abused a BHA official.
BHA Disciplinary - Kim Bailey, Rule (D)11, fast-tracked
£1,000 – Kim Bailey - breach of Rule (D)11 of the Rules of Racing in that on 31 March 2021 SUBWAY SURF (IRE) was due to run in the Join RacingTV Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle Race (Class 4) at Ludlow Racecourse. After arriving at Ludlow the horse was scanned into the stable yard, during which the Equine Welfare and Integrity Officer noticed a substance around SUBWAY SURF (IRE)’s mouth and the Veterinary Officer was informed. Following the report, a bag and lorry search was carried out and two unlabelled 50ml syringes containing an unidentifiable brown liquid were found. One syringe was full, the other was empty, but with the brown liquid residue still within. His representative explained to the Veterinary Officer that she had witnessed the horse being administered one of the syringes by one of the Head Lads either before or as the horse was being loaded to travel on the morning of the race. Furthermore, she explained that the substance was ‘Pullman Pro’ and the horse was due to be administered the second syringe after the race.
Result of an Enquiry (K. Lundie) heard by the Disciplinary Panel on Thursday 26 August 2021
1. On 26 August 2021 the independent Disciplinary Panel of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) convened to consider whether Mr Kevin Lundie, a licensed professional flat jockey, was in breach of Rule (K)49 (a jockey must ensure that no Banned Substance is present in their body) and/or Rule (L)5.2 (where an approved person requires a person to attend an interview the person must attend the interview at the agreed time and place).
Bloodstock Industry Forum publishes Code of Practice
The Bloodstock Industry Forum (BIF) is pleased to announce the completion of the new Bloodstock Industry Code of Practice which will be formally incorporated into the rules of British Racing on August 16th and replaces the previous Bloodstock Industry Code of Practice which has been in place since in 2009 and the ITBA Sales Code of Practice, operational since 2010. The new Code of Practice has been drawn up in response to the central recommendation made in the BHA Review of the Buying and Selling of Bloodstock and Racehorses in British Racing which was released in December 2019.
Nicky Henderson - Rule (E)12, fast-tracked
£750 fine - A breach of Rule (E)12 of the Rules of Racing in that on 5 July 2021 LELANTOS (IRE) ran in The Free Tips Daily On attheraces.com Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 5) at Worcester, where it had been reported by the Veterinary Officer that the horse appeared to be suffering from ringworm. The skin scrapings taken from LELANTOS (IRE) were reported by Rossdales Laboratories as being positive for ringworm.
Pam Sly - Rule (D)28, fast-tracked
£200 fine - A breach of Rule (D)28 of the Rules of Racing in that when DARK SPEC ran at Beverly on 19 July 2021 she had not informed the Racing Calendar Office that the horse had been gelded before the deadline as required
Adjustments to new whip rules
As part of the ongoing roll out of the new whip rules the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has engaged in ongoing communication with the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) and senior jockeys from both codes.
As a result of this constructive dialogue and the BHA’s monitoring of bedding-in period and implementation, a selection of small adjustments have been introduced to the rules and processes involved, as below.
Brant Dunshea, Chief Regulatory Officer for the BHA, said:
“We are very grateful to the PJA and to our jockeys, both for the manner in which they continue to adapt to riding under the new rules, and their constructive engagement with the process which has helped bring about these further improvements.
“We will continue to liaise with the PJA and jockeys as we continue the roll-out and embedding of the new rules.”
- Repeat offences
Currently any rider who commits three offences of any type is referred to the Independent Judicial Panel. However, on an interim basis, the rule has been changed such that:
- Any jockey will be referred to the Independent Judicial Panel following their third above permitted level-only offence within a six-month period.
- However, a jockey will not be referred to the Independent Judicial Panel after just three ‘technical’ offences.
- Instead, once a jockey commits five offences of any type (this can be a combination of above permitted level and other misuse offences) within a six-month period they will be referred to the Independent Judicial Panel.
- Should a jockey be referred for either three above permitted level offences or five offences of any type, then these offences drop off their referral record so a jockey cannot be referred twice for the same offence
This is to distinguish between offences for use above the permitted level and those offences which are in relation to technique, as jockeys continue to adjust their riding styles.
This is an interim adjustment which has been put in place until the BHA and PJA hold a formal review in the summer after full implementation across both codes has passed.
- Suspension dates
During initial drafting of the rules it was intended that a suspension imposed by the Whip Review Committee (WRC) should be imposed 14-days from the date of the referral by the stewards.
However, following discussions with the PJA it was felt that there could be several occasions where there would be insufficient time for a jockey referred to the WRC (and suspended) to lodge an appeal, and for it to be heard prior to the suspension.
The position agreed therefore was that all suspensions imposed by the WRC should start 14-days from its written decision.
Having been through the bedding-in period, and with suspensions now being imposed, the PJA and its members have asked to have the option to serve a suspension as if imposed by stewards on a raceday.
Therefore, jockeys in receipt of a notice of suspension from the WRC will now have the option of requesting that the suspension commences 14 days after the date of the referral by the stewards, should they not wish to appeal the penalty.
Otherwise the suspension will be served 14 days from the date of the WRC decision.
- Riding fees
The rule has now been changed such that should a rider be disqualified from a race due to excessive use of the whip they will also forfeit their riding fee.
- Whip Review Committee meetings
The Whip Review Committee will now switch to meeting twice a week rather than once.
The basic structure of the WRC’s meetings will be as follows:
|
Meet |
Rides considered |
|
Tuesday |
Previous Thursday – Sunday |
|
Friday |
Previous Monday – Wednesday |
The next meeting of the WRC will be on Friday 31 March, covering rides from Monday 27 to Wednesday 29 March.
- Without regard to stride
References to the misuse offence ‘Without Regard to Stride’ (double strike) have been removed from the Whip Guidance. Offences of this nature will now instead be categorised as Without Time to Respond.
Three Global Experts Join the ARF Council on Anti-Illegal Betting & Related Financial Crime
The Asian Racing Federation’s Council on Anti-Illegal Betting & Related Financial Crime (ARF Council) announced today that it has expanded its membership to include three new experts to support integrity in racing and other sports:
- Mr. Kim Kelly, former Chief Stipendiary Steward, The Hong Kong Jockey Club;
- Mr. Michael Phelan, former CEO, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC); and
- Mr. Luca Esposito, General Secretary, United Lotteries for Integrity in Sport (formerly Global Lottery Monitoring System) / Executive Director, World Lottery Association.
All three have significant experience in upholding integrity of racing and other sports or combatting financial crime.
Martin Purbrick, Chairperson of the ARF Council said that “Mr. Kim Kelly is one of the most respected Stipendiary Stewards in the world of horse racing. Kim’s membership will be of great benefit to the Council’s work as it seeks to highlight how the racing model of integrity works effectively to counter the negative influence from illegal betting markets, as well as provide guidance on how horse racing’s stewarding model in racing works alongside betting analysis to detect issues in the sport and react appropriately. Mr. Michael Phelan is one of the most senior former law enforcement officers in Australia, having had a career of more than 30 years with the ACIC as well as the Australian Federal Police (AFP). Michael is a lifelong horse racing fan and will strengthen our efforts to show how horse racing has the most effective approach to integrity of all sports. Mr. Luca Esposito is a valuable addition to the Council due to his knowledge and experience of technology in betting and he brings further alignment between the ARFCouncil and the legal betting industry regarding the problem of illegal betting.”
With the addition of these new members, the ARF Council now comprises 24 experts in sports and racing integrity, law enforcement, academia, and intergovernmental relations.
About the ARF and the ARF Council
The ARF is a regional federation comprising 28 national racing authorities and racing-related organisations from across Asia, Oceania, Africa and the Middle East.
The ARF is formally linked with the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA). Australia, Hong Kong and Japan have permanent seats representing the ARF on the Executive Council of the IFHA, and the ARF also nominates one of two rotational positions on the IFHA Executive Council.
Horse racing is a participation sport with riders who are exceptional participant athletes. Racing as a sport brings positive social outcomes, which are education (of participants), employment, economic productivity, and public participation (of large audiences across societies where racing takes place).
The above contributions made by ARF members result in a wide range of positive societal benefits. These are the result of a sport operating within clear legal boundaries and supporting legal licensed betting products that are part of the entertainment around racing. This legal basis is a key part of our belief in the importance of a positive economic and social contribution by the sport of horse racing.
The Asian Racing Federation Council on Anti-illegal Betting and Related Financial Crime (ARF Council) was established in 2017 as a think tank aimed at combatting illegal betting and related financial crime. The ARF Council now comprises 24 members from organisations engaged in horse racing and sports integrity, law enforcement, the United Nations, and academia.
The ARF Council’s purpose is to research and share the scale and negative impacts of illegal betting, particularly as it relates to horse racing and sports integrity, and to foster international collaboration among stakeholders, such as horse racing operators and authorities, gambling regulators, law enforcement agencies, and government policy makers to raise awareness of the threat and to combat the negative impact of illegal betting and other financial crimes to horse racing, other sports, and to society.
A Summary of Key Sports Law Cases In Australia in 2022
“Respect in Racing” campaign launched by British racing industry
Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Establishes Horsemen’s Advisory Group to Expand Ongoing Collaboration
Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Submits Proposed Anti-Doping and Medication Control Rules to Federal Trade Commission
Important post-Brexit breakthrough achieved on customs treatment of temporary thoroughbred movements
Result of a Referral (R.Dawson) and an Appeal (J. Spencer) heard by the Disciplinary Panel
Betting Errors – Paddy Power Case Highlights Importance Of Fair Exclusion Clauses
How The Horseracing Integrity & Safety Authority Will Change The Horseracing Industry
FTC Approves HISA’s Registration Rule
How The 2022 EU VAT Directive Affects The Equestrian Sector
Hisa Appoints Marc Guilfoil To Oversee State Racing Commission Relations
Personal Injury in Horseracing: Court Finds Jockey Guilty of Reckless Disregard For Safety
Statement from USADA CEO Travis T. Tygart on Equine Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program Negotiations
Raj Parker appointed to the BHA Board
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA), the sport’s governing and regulatory body, has today announced that regulatory and sports law specialist Raj Parker has been appointed to its Board.
Raj takes up his role as an Independent Non-Executive Regulatory Director on 1 January, and will replace Sir Paul Stephenson, who joined the BHA Board in 2015 and whose term expires on 31 December.
BHA confirms changes to the Rules of Racing
- All horses entered to run in a race in Britain must be signed out of the human food chain via its passport by 1 January 2022
- Equine Influenza vaccination requirements updated, in line with other European racing nations
- Rules regarding use of bisphosphonates updated, in line with European harmonised position
Thoroughbred Industries Steering Group welcomes EFRA Select Committee ‘Moving Animals Across Borders’ report
- Industry figures presented evidence to the Select Committee earlier this year
- Report recommends that Government should work with EU to formulate ‘high health status’ agreement to replace Tripartite Agreement for thoroughbred movement
- Adds that Government should embrace digital systems for equine identification and utilise industry solutions
BHA Disciplinary - William Haggas - Rule (G)2.1, fast-tracked
£1,000 fine – breach of Rule (G)2.1 of the Rules of Racing in that on 17 July 2019 FIVE DIAMONDS ran in the 4Head Median Auction Maiden Fillies’ Stakes (Class 6) at Yarmouth finishing 1st. Following the race the Stewards ordered FIVE DIAMONDS to be post-race tested. On 7 August 2019 it was reported that the post-urine sample returned by FIVE DIAMONDS tested positive for HEPS.
Equestrian rider becomes second Belarusian athlete to receive humanitarian visa from Poland
Equestrian rider Olga Safronova has become the second Belarusian athlete to receive a humanitarian visa from Poland after she publicly criticised the Belarusian Government.
First stage of British horseracing’s whip consultation closes
- Initial phase of consultation – an online questionnaire – closed at midnight on Monday 6 September after running for 10 weeks
- Focus groups with volunteers remain ongoing, with detailed discussion sessions with relevant industry individuals and groups to follow
- All elements of the consultation to then be considered by the Whip Consultation Steering Group, which contains representation and expertise from across the racing industry and wider sectors
When can directors and agents be personally liable - A cautionary tale from Tattersalls Ltd v McMahon
David Loughnane - Rule (E)12, fast-tracked
£750 fine - A breach of Rule (E)12 of the Rules of Racing in that on 29 June 2021 FOREVER BRIGHT (IRE) ran in The Peter Villars Sportsground Maintenance Restricted Maiden Stakes (Class 5) at Chepstow, where it had been reported by the Veterinary Officer that the horse appeared to be suffering from ringworm. The skin scrapings taken from FOREVER BRIGHT (IRE) were reported by Rossdales Laboratories as being positive for ringworm.
Maurice Barnes - Rule (D)30, fast-tracked
£290 fine - A breach of Rule (D)30 of the Rules of Racing in that notification of the wind surgery undergone by FISHER GREEN (IRE) had not been notified to the Racing Calendar Office until after declarations prior to the horse running at Hexham on 20 June 2021.
Result of an Appeal (Dragon Symbol) heard by the Disciplinary Panel on 1 July 2021
1. On 1 July 2021 the independent Disciplinary Panel of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) sat to consider the appeal from the owner and trainer of DRAGON SYMBOL, (ridden by Oisin Murphy) against the finding on 18 June 2021 of the Ascot Stewards who reversed the placings in The Commonwealth Cup (Class 1) (Group 1) (British Championship Series) over 6f where DRAGON SYMBOL was first past the post beating CAMPANELLE (IRE) (ridden by Frankie Dettori) by a head.
. Separately, Mr Murphy was found guilty of careless riding and suspended for four days. That decision is not the subject of any appeal.
