NTF

A new two-year partnership between Racecourse Media Group (RMG) and the National Trainers Federation (NTF) was agreed upon to support trainers and help further grow the sport of horse racing. The deal sees RMG commit to a range of support and integration with the NTF, from helping produce content for play-out on Racing TV's (RTV) broadcast and digital channels, to an annual contribution to cover the NTF's legal expenses insurance. There is a specific commitment to help raise the profile of smaller yards through increased TV exposure, while NTF members...

National Trainers Federation (NTF) chief executive Paul Johnson has been appointed to the Board of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). He assumes the role with immediate effect, while the process continues to implement agreed governance reforms, working towards the establishment of an independent board of directors. Joining the Board as one of the two member-nominated directors, Johnson has been nominated by the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association, Racehorse Owners Association and licensed personnel. He takes over from John Ferguson, whose term on the Board has concluded. Johnson's previous roles within British racing...

It was announced in a joint statement on Monday that representatives of the Thoroughbred Group and the Racecourse Association (RCA) have undertaken a commitment to work together to pursue the signing of an industry-wide commercial partnership structure. These partnerships would see a commercial link formed between participants and racecourses to share the revenue that is generated by the sport. This is agreed to be a critical requirement if the industry is to reward owners and provide racegoers and bettors with competitive and engaging racing. In turn, it is hoped that...

A survey for trainers and stable staff, commissioned by the Industry People Board, has been launched by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). The aim is to improve recruitment, skills, and retention of staff in the British racing industry. The appropriate racing industry staff will shortly be contacted by Public Perspectives to give their views on the survey, which is funded by the Racing Foundation, and delivered in partnership with the BHA, the National Trainers Federation (NTF) and the National Association of Racing Staff (NARS). The survey will also provide feedback...

Jack Connor was named the new Racing and Analytics Executive of The Thoroughbred Group. He was previously a British Horseracing Authority (BHA) Racing Department senior analyst and a strategy manager at The Jockey Club. The position is new within The Thoroughbred Group as the organisation develops its remit to provide representation of its five members under UK racing's new industry structure--the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA), the Thoroughbred Breeders Association (TBA), the National Association of Racing Staff (NARS), the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) and the National Trainers Federation (NTF). "We are...

Trainer Ralph Beckett was confirmed for a second term (2023/24) as the National Trainers Federation President following Thursday's NTF Annual General Meeting. The NTF was also restructured during the AGM, with the intent to introduce a consultation model, so that the views of trainers are always accurately reflected in industry discussions. British Horseracing Authority (BHA) Chairman Joe Saumarez Smith, Neil Hayward (Industry People Board, Chair) and BHA Chief Operating Officer Richard Wayman also addressed NTF members regarding how the BHA will fulfil its leadership role in the new industry structure.

The first episode in a five-part video series to showcase the various aspects that make owning a horse-in-training in Britain worthwhile, was launched by Great British Racing International (GBRI) on Monday. Titled 'Be A Part Of it: Owning In Britain', the first video is Sir Mark Prescott reflecting on the history and heritage that underpins the British racing experience. Additional videos will be released every Monday. The series, backed by the National Trainers' Federation (NTF), will also show the training environment that Thoroughbreds are exposed to in Britain, as well...

If Ralph Beckett was ever in danger of becoming a victim of his own success, having patiently developed three staying fillies to win Classics, then the precocious achievements of Angel Bleu (Fr) have surely taken care of that pretty unequivocally. The Dark Angel (Ire) colt made his debut a year ago this week, and was still on the go in October when he exported two Group 1 prizes from France inside 20 days. In between, he had won the G2 Vintage S. at Goodwood three days after finishing second at...

Several stakeholder bodies of British horseracing have assumed a united front in regard to the conduct of those who work in the sport, while committing to take wide-ranging action to offer support and education to the industry. In an excerpt from a joint statement issued Tuesday by The British Horseracing Authority (BHA), National Trainers Federation (NTF), Professional Jockeys Association (PJA), National Association of Racing Staff (NARS), Racehorse Owners Association (ROA), Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA) and Racecourse Association (RCA): "It is essential that horseracing remains a progressive, modern industry when it...

National Trainers Federation Chief Executive Rupert Arnold will step down from his role at the end of the year, the NTF announced on Tuesday. Appointed to the role in August of 2000, Arnold has overseen a significant expansion in the range of racing industry issues covered by the NTF and its services to members. Rupert Arnold said, "I have had so many amazing opportunities in my time at the NTF and for that I will be forever grateful to trainers. Although it brings many challenges, nothing can surpass the range...

Organisations across British racing have united to improve diversity and inclusion across the sport under a unified "Industry Commitment". The Industry Commitment, which is part of British racing's COVID-19 Recovery Plan for British racing', aims to formalise the sport's approach to diversity and inclusion and builds on the extensive existing activity already taking place, including community engagement, education activity and charitable work. This is highlighted through the Racing Together platform which has already showcased over 80 initiatives. Organisations that have signed on to the Industry Commitment are: the British Horseracing...

A number of changes have been made to the equine anti-doping rules in the UK, the British Horseracing Authority announced on Wednesday. These changes have been made following a comprehensive review of the sport's anti-doping rules announced in 2018. Individual trainers and the National Trainers Federation were consulted, with additional input from both the UK and World Anti-Doping Agencies and sports bodies such as the FEI. Northridge LLP, a specialist sports law practice, also provided independent legal advice on the rule changes. In summary, the changes, which will go into...