HorsePWR in action: Veterinary Spokespeople and preparing for the Festival

Like any sport or activity involving horses, horseracing carries inherent risks. Despite extensive safety measures and ongoing work to minimise risk, incidents involving equine injuries can occur. When they do, they are upsetting for everyone, whether you are a seasoned racing follower or a casual observer.

When incidents or injuries do occur, we understand the importance of providing accurate and timely information – and the role this plays in shaping perceptions of the sport and its commitment to equine welfare.

That’s why the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is taking a new approach, with veterinary spokespeople available at selected major race meetings throughout the year to provide expert commentary and reassurance to the public when needed, starting at the Cheltenham Festival next week.

Why this matters

The introduction of veterinary spokespeople is part of the sport’s commitment to openness and accountability when it comes to our equine welfare standards. Racing is already effectively regulated and the industry is continually working to enhance safety and reduce reasonably avoidable risk for horses and jockeys. However, it is vital that the sport is equipped to respond swiftly and clearly to any concerns the public may have about welfare.

By having media-trained veterinary professionals available to speak directly to broadcasters and print journalists, including ITV Racing and other media outlets, we can ensure that factual, expert-led information is provided following high-profile incidents.

This approach is in line with the HorsePWR welfare campaign which puts openness at the heart of our welfare communication.

The interviews will aim to provide clinical information about the specific incident. This approach will help:

• Provide clarity and context – ensuring an accurate account of what has happened, based on known facts.
• Demonstrate leadership – showing that the BHA, as the regulator, takes responsibility for equine welfare and is committed to transparency.
• Reinforce confidence – both within the industry and among the wider public, that the sport prioritises the welfare of its horses.
• Set the right tone – responding with empathy, professionalism and sensitivity in challenging situations.

 

Who will be speaking on behalf of the sport?

At first the role will be filled by James Given, the BHA’s Director of Equine Regulation, Safety and Welfare; and Sally Taylor, the BHA’s Head of Equine Regulation, Safety and Welfare. Further spokespeople from the BHA’s roster of Senior Veterinary Officers will be included in due course to allow us to cover more fixtures over the course of the year.

When and how will interviews take place?

The interviews will take place with the racing broadcasters who are covering the event live. They will occur after an incident and allow sufficient time for the spokespeople to carry out their core regulatory responsibilities first, prior to engaging in interviews.

It is important to note that, to maintain the impact and effectiveness of the approach, interviews will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and discussed and agreed between the BHA, racecourse and broadcasters.

We can’t cover every incident or fixture due to the sheer volume of fixtures in relation to the number of spokespeople available, especially as our senior veterinary officers will be carrying out essential regulatory roles. However, we will work to ensure we can provide spokespeople at a large proportion of the sport’s major fixtures. In time we will look to further expand the pool of spokespeople and cover even more fixtures.

Preparations for the Festival

Welfare isn’t only a topic of debate during  live broadcasts. We often see significant activity at this time of year  from those who are opposed to the sport and racing has, in recent years, enhanced its approach and takes proactive steps to prepare for this.

The BHA works in close partnership with the Jockey Club in the run-up to their major racing events, ensuring there is a coordinated approach to media engagement.

As part of its preparations for the Festival, the Jockey Club engages with print and broadcast media, offering detailed briefings on welfare matters and making it clear that both the Jockey Club and the BHA are readily available for comment on important topics. This approach ensures that journalists know exactly where to turn for accurate information and expert insight.

Beyond this, the BHA and Great British Racing also has access to a trusted network of industry professionals who can represent the sport when needed. Incoming media requests are discussed and carefully evaluated based on factors such as the format, presenter, audience, and other contributors, allowing the most suitable spokesperson to be selected.

Depending on the situation, this spokesperson could be from the BHA, Jockey Club or be one of our industry professionals such as trainers, journalists, broadcasters or jockeys – either past or present.

By maintaining a pool of pre-approved spokespeople, fully briefed ahead of time, the sport can respond quickly and effectively to media opportunities and most importantly, provide the public with facts and reassurance when an incident occurs.

Visibility and accountability

British racing takes equine welfare extremely seriously. The introduction of veterinary spokespeople at major race meetings is an important step in ensuring that the sport remains transparent, responsible, and engaged when it comes to the welfare of our horses. It is about being present, visible, and accountable, about standing up for the sport and ensuring that racing’s approach to equine welfare is properly understood by the public.