newsletter update
March 2020 www.racecourseassociation.co.uk CONTENTS
Welcome 03 Junior Jumpers 05 06 Scottish Racing Academy 07 RCA Racing & Turf Conference 09 RCA Safety Group 10 Racecourse Groundstaff Couses 10 Badges & Pass 2020 11 Racegoers Club 12 Five Minutes of Fame 14 Godolphin Stud & Stable Staff 15 GBRI 16 Racing to School 17 Racing Welfare 18 ROA 19 HBLB 20 Britbet 20 TBA 21 PRA 22 Careers in Racing 23 Watt Fences 24 Duralock 25 Racing TV PJA ProAm 27 Fornells 28 Diary Dates / Contributors / Staff 29 Contact List
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2 | RCA Update Newsletter 2020 Back to content page WELCOMEWords by Paul Swain
Update due to the pace at which official successes to date. guidance changes, please be assured Appealing to a slightly older that the RCA and the sport’s steering demographic, Scottish Racing’s group are working at all hours to support Academy has recently launched to racecourses and all stakeholders. We are much excitement within the sport. conscious of the enormous challenges In a collaborative approach with local that lay ahead. The RCA will be at the schools and colleges, the Scottish service of our member racecourses to Racing Academy will use the power ensure they have the support they need of the sport to offer academic during this time. qualifications and career development To March’s Update, and we have some training which will benefit countless wonderful features to share from the people. Delly Innes and Eleanor Boden world of racecourses. Cheltenham’s The of Scottish Racing pick up the detail in Festival™ presented by Magners was the coming pages—congratulations to another rip-roaring occasion last week both on bringing this ambitious project and many of the Junior Jumpers will to life. have been in attendance to cheer home With all the regular features including their heroes. This programme engages Five Minutes of Fame, the latest from With circumstances as they are around youngsters in the sport in its purest the RCA’s exec departments and dates the world concerning the COVID-19 form and the strategic aim is to create for your diary, Update remains business outbreak, it would be remiss not to fandom through unique experiences. as usual. We hope that you enjoy and mention it in these pages. Whilst we Creator of the programme, Matthew most importantly for the weeks ahead won’t cover critical information in Foxton-Duffy, shares its origins and let’s keep talking!
Fans for the future: Junior Jumpers brings the sport to youngsters from a young age
3 | RCA Update Newsletter 2020 Back to content page NEWS FROM THE RCA
The latest from Junior Jumpers, RCA Safety Group, Racecourse Groundstaff Courses and the Racegoers Club.
4 | RCA Update Newsletter 2020 Back to content page TM THE ROAD TO THE FESTIVAL STARTS WITH JUNIOR JUMPERS
Foxton-Duffy explains: “This scheme communicating with members about young age, they will have a childhood of will appeal to the younger children but Zara will be led by social media. “I memories that will see them returning will also give the older ones more focus always want to keep the essence of to the racecourse for a lifetime. and allow us to talk to them in a slightly Junior Jumpers with the stamping different way. of the book,” he says, “but at some “As for the Festival, any child is allowed stage we will have to go to a form of to attend, with a charge for those over “Children from the age of around 14 digitalisation, and, in fact, keeping five years old, but in the main they are all For thousands of racegoers and off- many miles you’d flown. Eventually you’d stands at around 3,500, and Junior to 17 want to have what adults have, members informed about the racing at school during the four days of racing, track fans the Road to the Cheltenham qualify for a much-coveted pin badge. Jumpers-only mornings, held before and that can start with the racing pony, pony wouldn’t be sustainable without and we don’t really want to encourage Festival begins as soon as one year’s racing, are over-subscribed. The target which is stepping up their involvement digital communication.” them to attend. extravaganza is over. For the racecourse “As a child I was just captivated by flying. is to reach 5,000 in a couple of years’ a gear. itself the journey starts even earlier, with So, if you take that same incredibly time, Foxton-Duffy says. Looking ahead, Foxton-Duffy is “But the point about taking children its Junior Jumpers venture. simple principle – you fly, you meet “The pony won’t necessarily be ridden planning to introduce a reduced-price through the racing journey, which now people, you get a stamp – and translate “The big challenge is in the 13-18 age- by a Junior Jumper, but they will learn opportunity for Junior Jumpers who includes the natural progression of pony Junior Jumpers, a free-to-enrol club, it into racing, you get the initiative we group,” he adds. “The product probably what pony racing is all about, and the move on to the 18-24 tier, as part of racing, is that it eventually ends at the was launched in October 2016 with the have introduced.” works best up to the age of 13, so now start it gives to people who dream the process to becoming fully paid-up Festival. By that time, if they have gone aim of engaging, enthusing and making we’re thinking what we can do when a of being a professional jockey. It’s all members of the racegoing public. through Junior Jumpers, they are not children up to the age of 14 feel valued, He adds: “I was never going to be a Junior Jumper gets beyond that age. about being associated with something frightened of attending the biggest while also reminding parents that the pilot, but I was always going to fly, and I tangible and provides a link with the “Young racegoers are our future days.” sport is a family-friendly pastime. still fondly remember the experience I “We have toyed with the idea of sport that doesn’t exist at the moment.” customers and members,” he says, “and had as a child that made me feel more creating Junior Jumpers-Plus, which will Foxton-Duffy believes that if they are engaged with the sport at a The key element of the scheme is a comfortable about flying. In the same potentially give members their own area membership pack, which includes a way, we want to make children feel on a raceday, where they get to meet collector’s book that is stamped on comfortable that going racing is an a jockey and talk about wellbeing of each visit to Jockey Club Racecourses’ enjoyable sport and that as a Junior horses and riders. We’ll probably do that four venues that make up its south west Jumper they get recognised with in the next six to ten months.” region. Regional head of marketing badges like their parents’. Matthew Foxton-Duffy reflects that the In the meantime, a fresh initiative has idea owes much to his own childhood. “The real benefits will be felt in five been introduced with 14-year-olds and years’ time when these children become upwards in mind. On behalf of Junior “I used to fly round the world with my members of the paying public but are Jumpers, Cheltenham has bought Nan and was part of the BOAC Club,” he already fully engaged with racing.” a pony, named Zara, who has been explains. “You went up to see the pilot donated to the Gloucester St James during the flight and he would stamp From a standing start Junior Jumpers City Farm & Riding School to be trained your membership book to show how has not stood still. Its membership and prepared for pony races.
5 | RCA Update Newsletter 2020 Back to content page 6 | RCA Update Newsletter 2020 Back to content page SCOTTISH RACING ACADEMY LAUNCHED
Scottish Racing, the body which promotes the sport of horseracing in Scotland, has announced the creation of a new sister organisation, the Scottish Racing Academy
The new Scottish Racing Academy has opportunities for current stable staff to experienced racing professionals who collaborated with schools and colleges gain recognition for their current skills have a passion for transferring their across Scotland and is now seeking or gain additional skills whilst continuing knowledge to the next generation to recruit anyone who wishes to gain to work. of racing staff, as well as progressing essential employability and academic current stable staff employees. We qualifications, develop riding skills and Delly Innes, Manager of Scottish Racing are confident of the positive impact Thinking about gain knowledge of the vast range of said: “We are delighted to announce that this will have on the sport in Scotland careers within the racing industry. The Scottish Racing’s sister organisation, as a whole and will give individuals the a career in Academy also offers opportunities for The Scottish Racing Academy (SRA), is fundamental skills required to enter into, those who already work in horseracing now recruiting for anyone who wants and progress their career within, the horse racing? to upskill their careers. to work in the exciting and thrilling wider racing community”. world of horseracing. Scotland is The qualifications are being delivered well-renowned for having some of Louise Bulmer, Programme Leader for The new Scottish as part of the National Curriculum the most hard-working and dedicated Horse Care and Equine Studies courses for Excellence at all 9 schools in the staff in horseracing, and we believe our at SRUC said “This is such an exciting Racing Academy is now Scottish Borders and encourage young collaboration with schools and colleges opportunity for aspiring racing staff recruiting students people to complete a racing specific, will make it easier for many more people to develop their skills for a successful horse care qualification whilst studying to train for a wide range of career career in horseracing, in a safe and wanting a career in in their senior phase at school. opportunities available in our sport”. professional environment. We are thrilled to be working with the Scottish horse racing and Thanks to support from the Racing Eleanor Boden, Manager of the new Racing Academy to support students to offering opportunities Foundation and the wider racing Scottish Racing Academy said: “All accelerate their individual development industry, the Scottish Racing Academy of the qualifications and training and give them the best education to for current racing staff offers training for new recruits opportunities across our courses achieve their individual goals”. into horseracing and also provides are delivered by highly skilled and to expand their skills.
For more details of a course near you, see scottishracingacademy.scot, call 07908 716564 or email [email protected]
scottishracingacademy.scot
Scottish Racing Academy, c/o The Racecourse, Kelso, TD5 7SX Registered Charity No. SC049584
7 | RCA Update Newsletter 2020 Back to content page 8 | RCA Update Newsletter 2020 Back to content page 3 IS THE MAGIC NUMBER 3 days of lively discussions, demos and catching up with old friends: that’s what awaited delegates at the RCA’s Medical, Veterinary, Racing & Turf Management Conference, in partnership with Duralock last month. It was the first time the two biennial conferences had been combined into one multi-day event, allowing a richer programme to be curated. 40 Racecourses and Organisations were represented in the form of Racecourse Medical & Veterinary teams, Clerks, Groundstaff, Physios and more. The combination of these two usually separate events encouraged diverse discussions between a range of racecourse roles and responsibilities in order to inspire teamwork among the varying teams. It was described as “a hugely positive innovation” and that it The delegates praised the conference The positive feedback has “worked brilliantly” by Ed Arkell, Clerk of and the new format of this multi-day demonstrated that the new format the Course, Goodwood Racecourse. event with encouraging feedback worked well, and we look forward to An array of speakers from outside and as “valuable for information and continuing it going forward. idea exchange” and “vital that we within the racing industry were well We would like to thank all your speakers understand each other’s roles, received by the delegates. Particular and delegates for their contributions priorities and encourage a growing topics which piqued interest included; over the course of the event, and a communication between us”. With this Jockey rehabilitation & medical care, special thanks to our long-standing feedback in mind, the RCA will continue a team approach to human and partners at Duralock for their continued with this format when planning the equine entrapment, major incident support.” planning, several case studies, Horse 2022 Medical, Veterinary, Racing & Turf Welfare Board update, Relative Energy Management Conference. Deficiency in Sports (REDs) and a Holly Cook, Racecourse Services ‘Your Issues discussion session’, where Manager, RCA said “We were delighted breakout table top exercises stimulated to bring racecourse teams together interesting conversation and a sharing for this event and help facilitate of best practice. discussions and joint learning.
9 | RCA Update Newsletter 2020 Back to content page RCA SAFETY GROUP The meeting was attended by: The RCA Safety Group met on Monday Parade Ring Safety 17 February 2020. A summary of the The Group discussed parade ring Holly Cook (Chair) key points and actions provided below: safety and the increasing demands Phil Atkinson on racecourse facilities. The group Ilona Barnett Drones considered techniques racecourses Katya Browne The Group discussed the ongoing could adopt to enhance safety within Simon Durrant issues of unauthorised drone use at the parade ring. The RCA Guidance Myles Francis racecourses and how these could Document on Parade Ring Safety would Steve Horlick be addressed. The RCA Guidance be updated and reissued along with David Mackinnon Document regarding Drones would be the reminders of the Be Horse Aware Mick Stamp updated and revised. Campaign. Joanna Wales Best Practice Search Policies RCA Guide to Safety at Racecourses The Group discussed key points for The Group acknowledged the recently inclusion in a best practice document updated RCA Guide to Safety at for search policy at racecourses. Racecourses which is now available from Martyn’s Law the RCA Website. The Group acknowledged the Safeguarding government proposal for the The Group discussed Safeguarding introduction of Martyn’s Law across priorities at Racecourses all sports venues. The RCA would RCA Operations Seminar liaise with the Parliamentary Affairs The Group commented on initial plans Stakeholders Group for further for the 2021 RCA Operations Seminar. information. Racecourse Filming The Group discussed filming in the parade ring.
Doncaster Parade Ring - Duralock Lockup RACECOURSE GROUNDSTAFF COURSES
The date and location for the forthcoming Racecourse Groundstaff Course has been finalised as follows:
Level 1 Racecourse: Turf Maintenance - 6-7 April 2020, Cheltenham Racecourse Level 2 Racecourse: Turf Management - 22-27 November, The British Racing School, Newmarket
For more information on upcoming IOG courses or to reserve a place on the above course please contact Anita at [email protected] at the Institute of Groundsmanship, 28 Stratford Office Village, Walker Avenue, Wolverton Mill, Milton Keynes, MK12 5TW, Tel: 01908 312511
10 | RCA Update Newsletter 2020 Back to content page BADGES & PASS 2020
The need-to-knows
RCA & Media Badge Posters for Accreditation Lists for Racecourses only
Racecourses only Eight copies of the large poster and four copies of the A4 sized Copies of the lists of 2020 RCA poster for 2020 have been sent to and Media Accreditation holders all racecourses. Extra copies and are available on request for electronic copies are available on racecourses only from Carol Walker request from Carol Walker
2020 Missing Badges
RCA: 56, 328, 337, 374, 920, 923, 928, 929, 930, 931, 932, 956, 957, 958, 959, 1159, 1367, 1875, 2627 Media: PJA: 29, 90, 105, 109, 110, 310, 327, 336 NTF: 390, 391, 578, 579, 580, 581, 582, 646, 647, 779, 780, 830, 831, 998, 999, 1342, 1343
11 | RCA Update Newsletter 2020 Back to content page FUN IN THE SUN AT WINCANTON RACECOURSE
Words by Matt Jones
Our second racecourse event of 2020 to celebrate this. Unfortunately, the Racegoers Club Chair Caroline Davies saw members head to Wincanton original offering on Somerset National said “February has been a busy month Racecourse for a day at the races in day fell foul to the weather, but the team for the Club team which continued into a private box facility. Members were at Wincanton were great at helping us March with our renowned marquee at looked after fantastically well from start switch the event to another day. A big The Festival™. The marquee is a great to finish by the Wincanton team and by thanks must go to them, and to Martin opportunity to celebrate everything Racegoers Club Committee member for ensuring that everyone had a great that the Club is about; getting out to the Martin Brown who kindly hosted the day out.” racecourse, meeting likeminded people box on the day. Alongside the fantastic and watching some top-quality racing.” February also saw the release of our views of the racecourse members got first Club magazine of 2020, the edition To find out more about the Club visit the to enjoy a tipping competition and even featured a two page Cheltenham website at www.racegoersclub.co.uk accompanied trips to the paddock to preview with exclusive content from choose the best turned out horse. Racing Post Betting Editor Keith Racegoers Club team member Matt Melrose, an in depth interview with the Jones said “Wincanton Racecourse frontman of ITV Racing Ed Chamberlin were voted as Best Small Racecourse in and a run down of all the upcoming the South by Club members last year, so stable visits and racecourse events that we were keen to put on an event there members can enjoy.
Members enjoyed a great day out at Wincanton Racecourse
12 | RCA Update Newsletter 2020 Back to content page NEWS FROM THE SPORT
A look at the wider world of horseracing including updates from Racing to School, Racing Together plus 5 Minutes of Fame with Michael Andrews.
13 | RCA Update Newsletter 2020 Back to content page 5 MINUTES OF FAME
On what day of the week were you What’s the daftest work related born and what was number one in question you have ever been asked? the charts? Do you like racing? Michael Andrews Shaggy – Boombastic (Saturday) If you weren’t at work today, what When you were a child what did you might you be doing instead? Social Media Executive want to be when you grew up? Going racing… Jockey / trainer Goodwood Racecourse If you were writing your What’s your guilty pleasure? autobiography the name of it would Chocolate / cake (also combined) be... I don’t know! Something punny What makes you tick? Comedy What do you find most rewarding? Realising you’ve made a difference Which tune is the most played on your iTunes? What is your most bizarre talent? Anything by Alt-J Can move one of my ears without moving rest of my face Name one thing that drives you crazy? What is something about you that Sloppy food most people don’t know? I lived in Australia for a year… What is your favourite racing memory? Hello Bud winning the Becher Chase aged 14
14 | RCA Update Newsletter 2020 Back to content page GODOLPHIN STUD AND STABLE STAFF AWARDS
Following an inspiring evening celebrating the achievements of stud and stable staff from across the country at the Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards, James Frank of Hascombe and Valiant Stud has been named as the 2020 Employee of the Year. James, who also won the Stud Staff Award, was presented with the perpetual Godolphin Trophy by special guest presenter Oisin Murphy alongside Ed Chamberlin at an event hosted by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). He takes home a total of £20,000 in prize money with the same amount being shared amongst the staff at Hascombe and Valiant Stud. This is part of a total of £128,000 in prize money awarded on the evening by sponsors Nick Rust, Chief Executive of the BHA, Godolphin. said: “For James to be named Employee of the Year when our sport employs Having come to the UK from Zimbabwe thousands of people who work so hard in his mid-twenties, James' belief in to provide first class care to our horses leading from the front and setting the is a fantastic achievement. example to those he works with has been the hallmark of his 17 years of “We are grateful to all of the staff who working in racing and breeding. work behind the scenes to ensure that the horses who are bred for and take The other category winners on the part in British racing are provided with night were: Kevin Skelton of Bryan exceptionally high levels of care. Smart Racing who took the David Nicholson newcomer award; Kim Bailey “These awards are our opportunity to Racing's Mat Nicholls who landed the say thank you to all of them, on behalf of Leadership Award; Hayley Ashcroft from the sport and on behalf of our horses, Tom Dascombe's Manor House Stables and tonight’s winners and finalists are who was successful in the Rider/Groom fine ambassadors for their profession.” category and Andy Stringer, whose years of service in racing most recently with John Gosden earned him the Dedication award. Also honoured was Simone Sear who landed the Rory MacDonald award for her work at Racing Welfare. Brough Scott, Chair of the Judging Panel, said: “The panel’s job was as tough as ever this year with some remarkable stories of commitment, hard work and dedication amongst this year’s finalists. “However, we had to reach a final decision and James is a hugely deserving winner for his years of perseverance and outstanding service to the breeding industry."
15 | RCA Update Newsletter 2020 Back to content page GOING GLOBAL
Words by Camilla Perrett
British-bred Success in February
The Lanwades Stud-bred Time Warp delivered top-flight success for Britain’s breeders last month when claiming a second victory in the Group 1 Hong Kong Gold Cup at Sha Tin. The gelding began his career with Sir Mark Prescott, before British agent Alastair Donald brokered his switch to Hong Kong. He has now won three Group 1 races and has accumulated almost £4million in prize money.
Juddmonte’s super-sire Frankel enjoyed a phenomenal February, with his impressive list of successes headlined by Mozu Ascot. The 6-year-old kicked off the month by winning the Group 2 Negishi Stakes and three weeks later won the Group 1 February Stakes.
Time Warp winning the Group 1 Hong Kong Gold Cup
The Saudi Cup
Also in February, GBRI was present at George Strawbridge boards his mares Prince Of Arran, another Team British the inaugural running of the Saudi Cup. at both Copgrove Hall and Whatton Racing globetrotter, finished third in the Manor studs. race for Charlie Fellowes. Frankel’s influence on racing globally was again on show, on this occasion Mekong, another British-bred son British bloodstock agents also had in the form of Call The Wind, George of Frankel, finished second in the cause for celebration on the feature day, Strawbridge’s homebred winner of the same race. Mekong was one of seven with winners bought by both Oliver St Turf Handicap. The result delivered a representatives of GBRI’s Team British Lawrence and Richard Frisby. first taste of success on ‘home’ turf for Racing initiative, which promotes Frankel’s owner Prince Khalid Abdullah. British-trained stars on the world stage.
Concierge and Events
GBRI enjoyed hosting international guests with an interest in racing during the Cheltenham Festival. Guests were treated to high- end hospitality, behind the scenes tours and paddock visits. GBRI would like to thank the Jockey Club for their continued support.
16 | RCA Update Newsletter 2020 Back to content page SUPPORTERS FOUND DOWN UNDER AND WAY UP HIGH IN THE CLOUDS Words by John Blake
Racing to School is pleased to hear that the major race clubs to work together to get started with a proper career. plans are well underway Down Under and deliver an intelligent program, which Lindy was one of the international for a new programme to engage young allows young people to understand the delegates that attended the global people with racing. We’ve been sharing wonders of racing.” Godolphin Education Forum in ideas with our colleagues in Australia for Thoroughbred Industry Careers was association with the Racing Foundation a while now, specifically on our schools’ a response to a lack of information held in November. Colleagues from programme. on careers and pathways into the across the world shared challenges As Lindy Maurice, the originator of Australian Industry, combined with the and pooled ideas about how to make Thoroughbred Industry Careers said: issues around staff shortages. As with racing more relevant and accessible to “Around 90% of Australians live in Racing to School’s Riders’ events, their young people and the wider community urbanised areas where the majority of Explorer Programme is aimed at school/ – work that is now gathering exciting major racecourses are situated, so I see university leavers who have a passion momentum. the Racing to School model as a way for for horses but don’t know how or where
New recruits on Australia’s Thoroughbred Industry Programme
Young Jack Lander’s charity challenges – in support of the work of UK and Irish Racing to School is so honoured need no introduction, but this veteran Injured Jockeys Funds, Racing Welfare to have been chosen by racing’s walker for good causes has his sights and Racing to School. Training walks administrator Weatherbys as one of set a little higher this time. Jack and have been going well and both Father their good causes that they wish to Father Darren will travel out to Tanzania and Son are tipped for a dead heat support in celebration of their 250th and spend the Grand National Meeting when they plant a special flag in Africa’s year in business. Thank you. climbing Mount Kilimanjaro - all 5,895m highest mountain.
17 | RCA Update Newsletter 2020 Back to content page NEW INDUSTRY CAREERS & TRAINING SERVICE LAUNCHED
service’s capacity to fund training is a huge advantage to employers and the uptake of this has grown steadily year on year since the inception of CATS in 2016. This growth resulted in £25k being paid out in grants to fund training last year.
Kay Boyden, Racing Welfare’s Programme Manager, expressed the importance of the service, saying: “CATS forms an integral part of our workforce wellbeing programme. Our approach remains focused on providing proactive, positive services and CATS is exactly that, harbouring the resources to enhance the career of anyone working in racing and breeding.”
Chief Executive of The Racing Foundation, Rob Hezel, commented: “At a time when we are struggling to recruit and retain staff, the wellbeing programme, which includes CATS, delivered by Racing Welfare is of critical importance. The Foundation are delighted to fund the programme and hope it not only benefits the individuals who engage with it but it is a catalyst for the industry to realise the importance of employee wellbeing and to unite to deliver the strategic change that is required to ensure we have the staff required to deliver our sport going forward.” Racing Welfare launched the new website for Careers Advice & Training Service (CATS) at an event held at Chepstow The access routes for CATS are: racecourse on 2nd March, coinciding with the start of National www.cats-racingwelfare.co.uk Careers Week. 24hr 0800 6300 443 Text 07860 079 043 Designed to underpin the delivery of CATS, the site offers a dedicated resource to facilitate professional development Follow CATS on social too: and aid progression within the British racing and breeding Instagram @cats.rw industry. Operated by Racing Welfare and funded by The Facebook @cats_rw Racing Foundation, CATS is part of Racing Welfare’s workforce Twitter @CATS_RW wellbeing programme, which sets out an overarching agenda to enhance the wellbeing of people living and working in the industry.
CATS is able to provide support in four main areas that are regularly encountered by individuals when it comes to their career: professional development, returning to work, job seeking and changing career within the industry.
The website itself houses a range of online self-help advice containing practical, useful information on subjects such as writing a CV, constructing cover letters and managing your online profile. Featuring a live training directory, the site also offers the most up to date information on training available within the industry, in addition to courses outside of this which may be useful to people working in racing. This is coupled with a job board, powered by Careers in Racing, ensuring that users are able to find to the most up-to-date job opportunities.
CATS recognises the challenges faced by managers, and by small business owners in particular, in providing development opportunities for their employees, and as such the website features an employer’s section within its construct too. The
18 | RCA Update Newsletter 2020 Back to content page INDUSTRY OWNERSHIP STRATEGY
Words by Pip Kirkby
Our thanks go to the Racecourse assessments, and provided a review of Days for the upcoming months is as attendees of the ROA Ownership the 2019 process and performance. follows: Experience Workshops held at Ascot The assessments will commence in 31st March Musselburgh and Chester Racecourses, and to the March, and again we are working AA 21st April Sedgefield respective Racecourses for hosting Hospitality Services to undertake the 7th May Huntingdon the events. The Workshops outlined assessments. the process for the 2020 Quality Mark The schedule for the ROA Ownership
HORSERACE BETTING LEVY BOARD Words by Alan Delmonte
Levy Yield for 2018/19 Revised Upwards by £5m
The Horserace Betting Levy Board Following consideration of additional “To achieve agreement on this matter has revised upwards, by approximately information provided by the is important, not only in effecting a £5m, the Levy yield for 2018/19. The bookmakers and with the benefit of significant increase on the provisional total for the year to 31st March 2019 is further legal advice, certain operators £78m announced for 2018/19 but also now therefore £83m compared to the were invited to submit revised returns, for assessing Levy liability in the current provisional sum of £78m announced in which all have now done. year and future years. May 2019. Levy Board Chairman Paul Lee “This very satisfactory outcome would The Board reported in August 2019 that commented: “The issues involved not have been achieved but for the it had asked all Levy-paying bookmakers here are complex, turning as they do hard work of the Executive who have for information on certain bet types on the construction of legislation and diligently pursued these matters whilst offered during the 2018/19 year. The its operation, specifically in relation to maintaining good relationships with the Board is grateful to bookmakers for their certain types of bets. All bookmakers bookmakers. We are also grateful to our constructive and cooperative approach have now paid Levy on these bets in legal advisors, Herbert Smith Freehills, and the timeliness of their responses to accordance with the legislation. and to counsel.” enquiries.
19 | RCA Update Newsletter 2020 Back to content page BRITBET Words by Clare Rogerson
Over the past month, we have been working closely with UK Tote Group team to trial a ‘Tote Guarantee’ offer to racecourse customers. Tote Guarantee means that all Tote Win bets (and the win part of each way bets) will pay out at the Starting Price (SP) or the pool price, whichever is bigger. We all know pool betting can offer value given that in 2019 the Tote Win beat SP on 2,887 races in the UK. On winning horses priced over 12/1 the Tote Win paid more than the SP the majority of the time. With Tote Guarantee we can ensure customers have the confidence to bet with the Tote on all horses, regardless of their price and is a key part of the strategy to rejuvenate the Tote brand. There are a number of variables to consider when analysing overall performance of Tote Guarantee on the racecourse, such as field sizes and the attendance but initial indicators show a clear uplift in turnover and positive customer feedback which is promising. Following the encouraging results from the initial trials, britbet and Cheltenham Racecourse have worked with the UK Tote Group to agree that Tote Guarantee will be offered at The Festival, and all other race meetings that week between the 10th and 13th March. Tote Guarantee will be the lead promotion oncourse during Cheltenham week, alongside the Tote Guarantee is also available online ‘Placepot’ which will have an estimated at Tote.co.uk every day. £1m pool to play for each day. britbet contact- Steven Johnson After the Festival, results will be ([email protected]) analysed to assess whether Tote UK Tote Group contact- Dani Johnson Guarantee can be a sustainable ([email protected]) initiative for our racecourse partners.
20 | RCA Update Newsletter 2020 Back to content page THE THOROUGHBRED CLUB Words by Olivia May
The Thoroughbred Club is a social, educational and professional club open to all 16 to 35-year olds with a passion for horseracing and who wish to gain an in-depth insight into the bloodstock industry. Membership starts from just £25 a year and benefits include a range of membership benefits including: • Exclusive race badge offers • Monthly complimentary subscription to Thoroughbred Owner Breeder Magazine • Behind-the scenes industry events • … and much more.
The TTC is a great opportunity to meet with fellow TTC and TBA members as well as getting exclusive access to leading racing and breeding operations from around the country through various events and offers. If your racecourse is able to offer any badge offers or other incentives for TTC members, please contact the TBA office on 01638 661321 or email info@ thethoroughbredclub.co.uk
THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS ASSOCIATION Equine Health & Welfare from Birth
The Horse Welfare Board’s report on ‘A strategy and is looking forward to be supplemented later this year with life well lived – a new strategic plan for working with the Board and the industry an e-learning platform for breeders. the welfare of horses bred for racing, to implement the recommendations. Guidance documents have also been 2020-2024,’ considers the whole of the refreshed to update knowledge on Lifetime responsibility is a key racing industry and looks across the practical stud management matters. theme and the TBA is working with lifetimes of all horses bred for racing, The TBA is also an important funder of stakeholders on the introduction of including specific recommendations on veterinary research and equine disease systems to improve traceability, which breeding. surveillance to the benefit the future started with the 30 day foal notification health of the breed. The TBA’s charitable objective is to requirement for all thoroughbreds and support breeders in the care of their will be encompassing the registration For updates on the TBA’s ongoing horses and ensure that the welfare of of studs and the introduction of work on equine health and welfare in Thoroughbred horses is the primary e-passports. The Association’s the breeding industry please visit the consideration at all stages of the education and training programmes website www.thetba.co.uk or follow the breeding life cycle and beyond that to advocate best practice in Thoroughbred TBA on Twitter and Facebook. eventual end of life. The TBA applauded care, which is delivered both nationally the publication of a comprehensive and regionally to members and will
21 | RCA Update Newsletter 2020 Back to content page POINT-TO-POINT
Words by Clarissa Daly
The 2020 Point-to-Point pony racing and we are delighted to be running 22 One of these has been to increase the season got underway in January at fixtures throughout the summer with number of training days and to date Cocklebarrow. At the time of writing, 5 the Finals at Aintree Racecourse on 25 in 2020 we have run 10 pony racing of the planned 69 fixtures have taken October 2020. The Novice Finals will training days jointly with the Pony Club place; 3 have been abandoned, one once again be at York Racecourse in – and it’s only March! Over 170 children postponed and 2 are looking for new September. have attended these days; over 100 of dates. these were attending their first training This year we have introduced new day. These are in addition to the training However, this awful weather has categories for novice riders and a days run by the British Racing School not dampened the spirits of our new pony height category. This is in and National Horseracing College. young riders. Memberships and pony response to a review the PRA carried registrations are coming in and we look out into Pony Racing with the RAU We are very excited about this season forward to a great season. Cirencester in 2018/19. We are always and we are so grateful to everyone who looking at ways of improving the supports us to allow this important The Racecourse Series will start at accessibility and general appeal of the introduction to racing happen. Huntingdon Racecourse on 25 May sport.
Happy winner of a Point-to-Point pony race PRA/PC Training Day at Lucy Normile’s yard, Duncrievie
22 | RCA Update Newsletter 2020 Back to content page CAREERS IN RACING BACK OUT ON THE ROAD Words by Michelle Douglas
The Careers in Racing team are back BHA Chair Annamarie Phelps who was were in attendance again with not only out on the road, kicking off 2020 with able to combine her passion for rowing the VR Headsets but the interactive attendance at the National Junior with racing. We were excited to unveil recruitment stand along with Indoor Rowing Championships held our brand-new Virtual Reality headsets, representatives from the British Racing at the Copperbox Arena in London. providing users with a unique behind the School, National Horseracing College The event was attended by 2,000 scenes tour of Doncaster Racecourse, and Volunteer Career Maker, Caroline young people from across the country, National Horseracing College, a Racing Carroll. Being at a racecourse enabled all having a keen interest in sport. Yard, the Sales and a live race from us to show the vast array of jobs and Representing the industry was the Newbury Racecourse. career paths available in the industry. Careers in Racing team plus BHA Jockey We will be attending many more events Next stop was the National Coach Nick Bentley and Volunteer throughout the coming months. Apprenticeship Show held at Sandown Career Maker, Kate Austin. We were Park Racecourse. Careers in Racing delighted to welcome to the event, our
23 | RCA Update Newsletter 2020 Back to content page NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
A word from partners of the RCA : Watt Fences, Duralock and Fornells
24 | RCA Update Newsletter 2020 Back to content page WATT FENCES
Partners of Duralock
Watt Plastics can supply both portable fencing and permanent fencing including picket fence and post and rail.
Picket Fence Post and Rail Portable Post and Rail
Durable Maintenance Free All of our fencing products provide Our temporary fencing options are the look of wood combined with easy to move, quick and easy to the durability and long life of PVC install, durable/maintenance free in one outstanding fence product. and sections can also be connected together.
WEBSITE TELEPHONE EMAIL www.wattplastics.com +44 (0)1748826762 [email protected]
Watt Plastics Ltd, Broken Brea Farm, Easby, North Yorkshire, DL10 7EY
25 | RCA Update Newsletter 2020 Back to content page DURALOCK
It was great to see you all at the RCA Racing & Turf Management Conference 2020. We are delighted to have sponsored this fantastic event and look forward to updating you on our new developments throughout this year.
FOR ALL RACING ENQUIRIES CONTACT US TODAY: T: +44 (0)1608 678238 E: [email protected] W: www.duralock.com
26 | RCA Update Newsletter 2020 Back to content page 27 | RCA Update Newsletter 2020 Back to content page FORNELLS
TecRail and Fornells were jointly appointed for the Saudi Cup
The Saudi Cup global race meeting. The most valuable horse race It was a challenge for the organizers meeting ever held was organised in to have an international standard Both companies were able to offer Saudi Arabia on the 29th of February facility to welcome such an event in prompt service due to their own 2020. a very short space of time. manufacturing facility and to react to the customer’s requirements whilst The American horse Maximum When deciding about which race rail offering assistance with installation Security won the first running of the to use, King Abdulaziz racecourse operating on a very tight schedule, major race of the day, the Saudi Cup, decided that the best products to achieving a beautifully presented which was offering a 20 million US$ use were TecRail and Fornells to racecourse for the richest horse race prize pool. meet the standards required for this in the world.
Running rails Starting Gates TecRail won the opportunity to Fornells also provided two sets of provide the permanent PVC running 14 stalls and one 6 stall additional rail on the Turf track thanks to its unit, fully padded with all options patented PVC safety ground fixing available and hydraulic steering. The which ensures a higher level of gates were manufactured to match safety in case of impact with an the European standards and were upright for both horse and jockey. initially dedicated to the Turf races. Fornells running rails were selected TecRail was also preferred in the However due to the ease of use and for the moveable rail set and quarantine area for the same reason. mobility of the gates the racecourse installed for the Saudi Cup day on Both installations look fantastic, decided to use them for every race. the inside of the turf track. installers found the rail extremely The Saudi Cup, a 1800m American easy to erect and the finished rail ‟The easy assembling and movability style race on dirt was even using the looked spot on. system were key in the decision Fornells gates and the organisers to convince the track managers” made the choice of no groom in the advised Teddy Selva, Export manager TecRail and Fornells are available in stalls. for Fornells. UK, please contact Rhys Williams
+44 7535 573731
www.tecrail.fr/en www.fornells.com
28 | RCA Update Newsletter 2020 Back to content page DIARY DATES
Tuesday 24 March RCA Board - by conference call Wednesday 25 March RCA Members Forum - by conference call Thursday 26 March RCA Members Forum - by conference call
CONTRIBUTORS
Tansy Challis 07709 954620 [email protected] Lucy Gurney 07387 260980 [email protected] Pip Kirkby 0207 152 0200 [email protected] Olivia May 01638 661321 [email protected] Camilla Perrett 0207 152 0198 [email protected] Clare Rogerson 0750 873 3750 [email protected] Rob Sage 07798 655427 [email protected]
RCA STAFF CONTACT LIST
David Armstrong 01344 873538 [email protected] Katya Browne 01344 873536 [email protected] Andy Clifton 01344 625723 [email protected] Holly Cook 01344 873536 [email protected] Caroline Davies 01344 873536 [email protected] Dan Franzen 01344 873537 [email protected] Matthew Jones 01344 873536 [email protected] Paul Swain 01344 873536 [email protected] Jackie Tizzard 01344 873537 [email protected] Carol Walker 01344 873536 [email protected] Kevin Walsh 01344 625723 [email protected]
EDITOR: Carol Walker The Racecourse Association Ltd
UPDATE is also available on our website: www.racecourseassociation.co.uk
29 | RCA Update Newsletter 2020 Back to content page