ROA Forum
INDUSTRY UPDATE Levy Board funding
In August the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) agreed to fund requests from racing for £3.2m of immediate and short-term funding. The Levy Board acted swiftly during August to a request for additional funding of £259,000 for the month of September to cover potential divided races. The Levy Board agreed to fund £1.46m of racecourse reconfiguration costs. These are one-off costs incurred by racecourses to meet regulatory standards and guidance for hosting fixtures in the current environment. A cap of £75,000 per course is in place across all racecourses meaning that 34 of the 40 racecourses with costs to date will be funded in full. A process for reclaiming expenditure has been agreed with the Racecourse Association. The Levy Board also agreed the funding of £1.5m for PPE and face coverings used on racedays and a process for reclaiming expenditure was agreed with the BHA.
Pontefract takes the plaudits
We would like to thank members who have provided feedback on their raceday experiences over the past two months. We appreciate it has been a challenging time for owners who haven’t been able to enjoy access to the parade ring and contact with their horse, trainer and jockey on the racecourse. All feedback received has been shared with industry stakeholders to
on the PASS message. Staff were welcoming and helpful at every stage – observing too that full cleaning of tables and chairs were made after each use. “All in all they get full marks from us for a safe but high quality owner experience in these difficult times.”
The raceday experience at Pontefract has been commended by members
help shape and improve the delivery of the raceday experience. A number of racecourses stood out in their delivery of experience to owners. Excellent feedback was received from owners who attended Goodwood, York and Pontefract, in particular. Mr and Mrs O’Brien, of Lovely Bubbly Racing, contacted us to say: “We attended Pontefract as owners on August 14 and wanted to express our appreciation for the exceptional effort made by the course management to make the day very enjoyable. “The quality of the meal was excellent – and three courses at that – plus a free glass of bubbly, viewing arrangements were varied and very good. Though it did not affect us, the arrangements to celebrate a winner were notable and very commendable – I hope some were there to take full advantage. “The course had taken the trouble to do a power point illustration of zones on the website and a very comprehensive informative addendum
Appearance Money Scheme
Racehorse owners have warmly welcomed the re-introduction of the Appearance Money Scheme from September 1. The scheme, designed to improve the return to owners at the middle and lower tiers, sees qualifying races making payments of £300 on the Flat and £350 over jumps for horses finishing between fifth and eighth place. The scheme includes some enhancements in the area of eligible steeplechases. These enhancements involve making payments to the remainder of the field, subject to horses meeting minimum rating requirements. Race values can be viewed in full on www2.racingadmin.co.uk.
Prize-money positives
Redcar has announced an increase to the majority of prize-money values on September 15 and 23. The value of Pontefract’s 6f Class 2 EBF fillies’ handicap on September 17 has been increased by £10,000 and is now worth £30,000. On September 24, the value of Pontefract’s Class 4 EBF fillies’ nursery handicap has been increased by £3,000 to £10,000.
News in brief Live racing data
Ascot racecourse has announced a collaboration with Total Performance Data (TPD) as its tracking data distribution partner, to leverage integrations with broadcasters, bookmakers, form websites and pro punters around the world. Ascot has been producing tracking data for some years through its partnership with Longines Swiss Timing. TPD currently provides live tracking data from 37 racecourses worldwide. The agreement will see TPD
commercialise and broaden the reach of Ascot’s existing Flat tracking data and make use of TPD’s tracking system so that Ascot’s jump racing fixtures can offer time and stride data. Sky Sports Racing and AtTheRaces. com were able to use this partnership to show live split times and post-race data for this year’s Royal Ascot.
Vaccination records
Following the successful introduction of the digital capturing of vaccination records earlier this summer, owners and trainers are reminded that a
valid historical vaccination record and supporting passport pictures for approval must be submitted for all horses well in advance of making an entry. Failure to submit vaccination records will result in the horse not being able to race. Vaccination records also need to be uploaded and up to date on the app when the horse is being returned in training. Check with your trainer or contact the Weatherbys support team on 01933 440011 if you have any questions or require assistance.
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