Britain’s racehorse owners are to increase their automatic financial contribution to the welfare of retired racehorses from March 1st, 2018. This is the first time there has been increase in the levy since 2009.
In consultation with the British Horseracing Authority, the Board of the Racehorse Owners Association has agreed that the levy charged to owners every time a horse is entered in a race will be raised from £1 to £1.25 from 1st March.
That money goes to Retraining of Racehorses, the racing industry’s official charity for the welfare of racehorses when they have retired.
Last year owners contributed £202,856 to the charity through the levy.
ROA Chief Executive Charlie Liverton said: “The welfare of retired racehorses is an area on which the Board of the ROA remains focussed given the important role that Retraining of Racehorses plays, not just for the horses of our own members during or after their racing careers, but for the wider industry as a whole.
“The 25 per cent increase from March reflects the increased rate of inflation since the £1 levy was first established in 2009.
“Our members have responded positively to this decision, such is their concern that the interests of former racehorses remain a priority for owners. The ROA will continue to support Retraining of Racehorses in the important work that the charity carries out.”
The ROA played a fundamental part in the positioning of Retraining of Racehorses as the sport’s official charity for the welfare of retired racehorses, having transferred the funds from its own charity which had similar aims 11 years ago.
Retraining of Racehorses Chief Executive Di Arbuthnot said: “We are very grateful to the ROA and its members for taking the lead on this and increasing their contribution to RoR. The increased revenue will be spread between our two core objectives, firstly promoting the versatility of former racehorses and providing them with opportunities for a fulfilling second career after racing, and secondly, ensuring their welfare is protected and stepping in to provide care and treatment should it be necessary. As the scale of the charity has grown, so have our costs, which makes this announcement all the more welcome. We would like to thank the ROA Board and members for their support.”