At a time when the UK is approaching its long-discussed exodus from the European Union (EU), concerns regarding the country’s thoroughbred sector have been rising. With a no-deal Brexit being a very possible option for leaving the EU, the British racing industry has received an unexpected offer, as the European Union is providing the country with the so-called “national listed status” which is set to protect the free movement within the horse racing industry.
As Casino Guardian has already reported, the free movement of jockeys and horses across borders will be disrupted by Brexit. The fact that it would no longer be “seamless” would endanger the entire thoroughbred sector, which has been pretty much dependent exactly on the free movement of racehorses and jockeys between the UK, Ireland and France. Providing the country with a “national listed status” would actually mean that the UK would receive a third-country status to the EU in terms of the thoroughbred industry, which is hoped to give local trainers and owners some certainty that their racehorses would be able to take part in meetings across Europe.
Will Lambe, the Executive Director of the British Horseracing Authority, confirmed the announcement, welcoming the EU decision as great news for the entire sector considering Brexit, which is set to happen on October 31st. Some extra requirements for the BHA’s participants would also be unveiled when it comes to thoroughbreds travelling in and out of the UK.
A No-Deal Brexit Would Hit British Horse Racing Industry Hard
Under the new “national listed status”, free movement of racehorses will still be possible across the UK borders, but British owners and trainers would have to correspond to the new requirements that are set to be unveiled by the EU.
These requirements would be specific, such as compliance with certain veterinary protocols, passing through certain EU posts for border inspection, etc.
As Casino Guardian has previously reported, in case of a no-deal Brexit, which seems to become much more likely, the ongoing Tripartite Agreement is set to stop existing on October 31st, when the UK is expected to officially leave the EU. Under the provisions of the agreement, free movement of jockeys and racehorses between Ireland, France and the UK has been ensured but the situation became more complicated when the UK announced its decision to leave the European Union.
According to experts, a failure of the country officials to agree on a trade deal with the EU will have a strong negative impact on the thoroughbred sector and the 1,500 races which take place in the UK every year. Reports have shown these races generate about £11.5 billion in bets for British bookmakers, so putting some restrictions on the free movement of horses will hit the gambling industry hard.
The beginning of October saw the Thoroughbred Industries Brexit Steering Group issue a warning that the British racing sector needs to consider various options to neutralise the potential negative effect which a no-deal Brexit is set to inflict on the entire industry. As confirmed by the Group, the political situation in terms of the upcoming withdrawal of the country from the EU remains unpredictable.
- Author
Daniel Williams
