Claire Sheppard

The TDN's Emma Berry will succeed Simon Sweeting as chair of the British EBF in January 2026. Berry, who joined the Thoroughbred Daily News as European editor in 2015, previously worked as deputy editor of Pacemaker magazine, deputy editor and racing editor of Horse & Hound, bloodstock editor of Thoroughbred Owner Breeder and associate editor of Bloodstock Notebook. She also completed a stint for Darley at Dalham Hall Stud for three years. A small owner-breeder with two broodmares, Berry sits on the BHA Flat Pattern Committee and is a member...

It would be fair to say that Monday night's annual general meeting of the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA) was not a laugh a minute, but, as TBA chairman Philip Newton outlined, there is not much cause for levity in British racing and breeding these days.  Rising costs, stagnant or falling prize-money in the lower tiers, and continued declines in the British (and global) foal crop were all cited as areas of concern, while Newton, who has been instrumental in the development of Project Pace, which seeks to make a Premier...

The Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA) held its 108th Annual General Meeting on Monday, September 1, with chairman Philip Newton confirming the TBA's support for an independent Board at the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). "Charles Allen has a big job in front of him," Newton said of the BHA's new chair. "The industry needs to recognise he doesn't have a silver bullet and cannot do this on his own. "The TBA will provide support, reasoned and considered counsel and give Charles Allen every opportunity to deliver the job he has been...

The Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA) announced on Thursday that its chief executive, Claire Sheppard, is to step down in the autumn following eight years in the role, with the recruitment process for a new CEO already underway. "While working at the TBA, I am very proud of what the organisation has achieved for British breeders and the industry over the last eight years," read a statement from Sheppard, who has been responsible for developing initiatives such as the Great British Bonus Scheme during her time in the role, as well...

The Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA) announced on Thursday the launch of the Stud Employee Accident Benefit Scheme (SEABS), brokered by Howden, the global insurance intermediary group. The scheme enables employers to offer financial support for up to two years to stud employees who are temporarily or permanently unable to work after an accident. Open to TBA members who are employers, the scheme offers weekly payments of up to £400 per week (less statutory sick pay) if an employee is unable to work as a result of an injury for up...

Updated guidelines for the preparation and sale of thoroughbred breeding and young stock at public auction were published Wednesday by the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA), Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (ITBA), Goffs, Tattersalls and the Federation of Bloodstock Agents, ahead of the forthcoming yearling sales season. Available digitally, the guidance aims to help new and existing participants navigate the sales preparation and selling processes for optimum equine health and welfare, whilst also providing transparency on thoroughbred care before, during and after the sale. "The British and Irish thoroughbred breeding industries remain...

The challenges and opportunities for the future sustainability of the thoroughbred breeding and bloodstock industry were explored in-depth by speakers, panellists and delegates at the annual TBA Bloodstock Conference, held on Tuesday at Tattersalls. Two hundred breeders, owners, enthusiasts and industry professionals convened at Park Paddocks for the full-day event hosted by leading broadcaster and racing journalist, Lydia Hislop. The conference was opened by TBA chairman Philip Newton, who discussed the current challenges facing the thoroughbred breeding industry and the need for transformational change to alter racing's finances. Newton also...

A five-episode educational video series on essential care for thoroughbreds has been launched on Breeders' Day at Sandown Park by the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association. The goal is to raise awareness of the high standards of welfare in the sector, while also providing guidelines on good practice. Topics covered include an overview of equine health parameters, paddock checks for horses on stud farms, transportation of mares and foals, care of the older horse and body condition scoring. The series is free to view for those who register on the TBA's online...