Britain Unveils Program to Track Retired Racehorses

Keeping track of retired racehorses will become much easier, according to the British Horseracing Authority, with British racing's governing body revealing plans to simplify and modernize the process Feb. 6.

The system, which is integrated into the industry's existing administrative site, will require and record details of a retired horse's new keeper for the first time with the hope it will improve data and understanding of how Thoroughbreds leave the sport.

Owners have the chance to register the information, but surveys on aftercare provided evidence that trainers should also be involved in this process, which connections can do from Feb. 13.

A non-racing agreement is also part of the initiative and owners who have sold or gifted a retired horse will be alerted to prevent that animal being entered in races.

"At all stages of a racehorse's life, being able to trace a horse's whereabouts is vital in demonstrating responsibility and commitment to the long-term welfare of our equine athletes," said David Sykes, director of equine health and welfare at the BHA. "While there are many possible routes that horses may take on leaving training, the first step is to identify those who have been retired from the sport.

"Today's announcement represents an important and significant improvement in this area and will mean we can ensure our record-keeping is as accurate and up to date as possible."

Charlie Liverton, chief executive of the Racehorse Owners Association, said his organization welcomed the introduction.

"Owners take great care in ensuring the horses who have given them so much pleasure are suitably rehomed following retirement," he explained. "To have a system which is simpler and easier to use and which allows trainers, who are often handling the logistics of the situation, to assist is undoubtedly a positive step."

A page on the BHA's website—britishhorseracing.com/retire—will allow horses to be tracked, although that will not go live until March 2.

Equine charity Retraining of Racehorses was also supportive of the BHA's plans.

"As the sport's official charity for the welfare of retired racehorses, we place great value on improving traceability and one of our key roles is assisting and advising owners and trainers on rehoming and retraining their horses," chief executive Di Arbuthnot added. "The changes to the process for retiring a horse from racing provides an opportunity to increase the number of horses registered with RoR.

"By registering with RoR, not only will we learn where horses are and what activities they are doing, but the new owners will also be able to benefit from the extensive program of educational activities run by RoR, helping them to take better care of and get more enjoyment from their former racehorse."

The Horse Welfare Board, an independent body established by British racing last year, of which Flat trainer James Given—who also qualified as a vet—and former sports minister Tracey Crouch are members, is due to publish a new strategy shortly, which will also include long-term analysis of the traceability of racehorses.