News in brief
Musselburgh will be able to race on until at least October 15 after its licence was extended by the BHA
Musselburgh’s licence
Musselburgh racecourse’s temporary licence to race was extended by the BHA in December from January 1 to October 15. The racecourse is owned by East Lothian Council and run by the Musselburgh Joint Racing Committee, on which the council-held majority had clashed with racecourse management. These disputes led to the BHA withdrawing Musselburgh’s licence until a review of its operation was commissioned. The BHA decision to extend the license is partly due to the transition to a new racecourse operator, separate from East Lothian Council. Musselburgh will stage what was to be a Towcester fixture on February 13. The afternoon fixture will be a six-race card, with race programme details and further fixture information available via the Racing Admin website www2.racingadmin.co.uk in due course.
Members whose cards are activated for either the Racecourse Badge Scheme for Owners or Scottish Racing Admission Scheme will be able to enjoy free admission on the day.
Riding fees increase
The Racehorse Owners Association and Professional Jockeys Association reached agreement at the end of last year that the jockeys’ riding fee would increase by 2.2% from January 1. The Flat riding fee increased from £124.40 to £127.14 and the jump riding fee from £169.85 to £173.59 The fees payable to a rider where a horse is declared a non-runner is set at 40% of the riding fee, and this also increased to £50.86 (Flat) and £69.44 (jump).
Blindfold trials
The BHA is conducting a trial of blindfold alterations to establish whether they can be made easier
to remove (while ensuring they stay in position pre-start) following an increase in the number of late blindfold removals at the start. A design went on trial in December with a silky lining on the areas that tuck under a horse’s bridle and also an alteration to the ear hole. Adaptations are being made during the trial in response to feedback before a decision is taken on whether to roll out a modified version more widely.
Raceday feedback winner
Members are encouraged to provide feedback on their racecourse experience on days have a runner. An online feedback from can be found at www.roa.co.uk/raceday. Each month we draw one of the responses to receive a £50 Marks & Spencer gift card. Our latest prize winner is Paul Walker of Worcester. He is involved in a number of racing syndicates including with trainer Mark Johnston.
Diary dates and reminders MARCH 12-15 ROA marquee at the Cheltenham Festival APRIL 4-5 Free admission to ROA members to Aintree APRIL 4 Hospitality package at the opening day of the Randox Health Grand National Festival APRIL 9 Industry Ownership Day and regional meeting at Pontefract
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MAY 15 Industry Ownership Day and regional meeting at Newton Abbot JULY 2 ROA AGM and lunch DECEMBER 12 ROA Horseracing Awards For more details or to book see roa.co.uk/events
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