Latest news with #BrantDunshea
The Sun
27-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Horse racing faces ‘grave risk' from new betting tax bombshell, bosses warn
A LOOMING tax on horserace betting would wipe £330million off the industry in just five years and risk thousands of jobs, bosses have warned. The levy has been branded an existential threat to the beloved spectator sport and sparked urgent calls for a climbdown. 1 Ministers are proposing to raise the 15 per cent tax on horserace bets into line with the 21 per cent for online casinos. Devastating analysis has revealed this could cost the sector £66million every year and put up to 2,752 people out of a job. Towns where racecourses are a big source of employment - like Doncaster and York - would be particularly affected. The British Horseracing Association has warned this would send the sport into 'irreversible decline' in a blow to the five million racegoers who attend every year. Chief executive Brant Dunshea said: 'This latest tax bombshell from the Government, if followed through, poses one of the gravest risks to horseracing the sport has ever seen. 'The horseracing industry is already in a precarious financial position, and the latest research provides a much more catastrophic forecast than we first thought. 'We're talking thousands of jobs at risk across the supply chain, severely impacted towns and communities, and the irreversible decline of the country's second most popular sport.' David Menuisier, a trainer at Coombelands Racing Stables, added: 'Racing is much more than just a sport in this country. 'It brings fun and excitement to millions and is a major local employer, particularly here in West Sussex as we prepare for another fantastic year at Goodwood.' A Treasury spokesperson said: 'We are consulting on bringing the treatment of online betting in line with other forms of online gambling to cut down bureaucracy - it is not about increasing or decreasing rates, and we welcome views from all stakeholders including businesses, trade bodies, the third sector and individuals.'
The Guardian
10-07-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Oisin Murphy faces ‘incredibly strict' conditions on licence after drink-driving case
Brant Dunshea, the acting chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority, revealed on Thursday that the regulator is going to apply 'incredibly strict' conditions to Oisin Murphy's riding licence following the champion jockey's conviction on a drink-driving charge at Reading magistrates' court last week. Murphy was fined £70,000, one of the highest penalties ever imposed for drink-driving in the UK, and banned for 20 months following an incident near his home in Berkshire in late April when a car that Murphy was driving collided with a tree. The jockey was nearly twice the legal limit for alcohol in his breath when tested by police around seven hours after the crash. Murphy was banned from riding for 14 months from December 2021 after admitting breaches of Covid-19 protocols, failing two pre-racing breath tests for alcohol and misleading BHA officials. He returned to action in February 2023 with additional conditions on his licence. He was back in action at Windsor less than 48 hours after the crash in April, and was 20 winners clear of his nearest rival in the race for the 2025 Flat jockeys' championship before the start of the July Festival here on Thursday. Dunshea, who said the BHA are in the 'final stages' of finalising the conditions, told ITV Racing that they will be 'incredibly strict', and 'will include enhanced testing, both on the racecourse and away from the racecourse'. He added: 'We're working to come up with a set of conditions that not only ensures we're protecting the integrity and reputation of British racing and the safety of our horses and people, but also that we're doing it in a way that ensures that Oisin gets the support and help that he might need to deal with his issues.' Murphy retains a big lead in the title race despite having failed to ride a winner from 21 rides since his court hearing last week. He drew a blank from six booked rides at Newmarket on Thursday and has six more on Friday's card, including Running Lion in the Group One Falmouth Stakes. The shape of the feature race here on Thursday changed significantly less than 30 minutes before the scheduled off-time when Ghostwriter, the strong favourite for the Group Two Princess Of Wales's Stakes, was declared a non-runner after what Clive Cox, his trainer, described as a 'freak incident' in the pre-parade ring. 'I was putting the saddle on when he reared over backwards and sat down,' Cox said. The four-year-old, who was bought for £2m to race for football agent Kia Joorabchian's Amo Racing operation at a sale in London in June, was taken to Newmarket's Equine Hospital for examination. In his absence, William Buick steered El Cordobes to victory in the Group Two Princess of Wales's Stakes, the 2,000th victory of his career in Britain. Buick is now one of just seven current jockeys to have reached the 2,000-winner landmark. 'It means a lot and I suppose it tells me and everyone else that I've been doing this for quite a long time,' Buick said. 'There are some places to do it that aren't as glamorous as Newmarket's July meeting, no offence, so to do it here at my home track, for Charlie Appleby and Godolphin, makes it all the more special.' Newmarket 1.50 War Hawk 2.25 Venetian Sun 3.00 Dancing In Paris (nap) 3.35 January (nb) 4.10 Distant Storm 4.45 Up The Pace 5.20 Grandlad Ascot 2.00 Lady Of Arabia 2.35 Front Line Fury 3.10 Knights Gold 3.45 Ciara Pearl 4.20 Run With It 4.55 Fast Track Harry York 2.10 Streets Of Gold 2.45 Sayidah Dariyan 3.20 Aylin 3.55 Up The Jazz 4.32 Mahra's Love 5.07 Brazen Bolt 5.40 Secret Beach Chepstow 5.35 King Of The Dance 6.10 Blooming Legend 6.40 Miakoda 7.10 Brave Byreflection 7.40 Soi Dao 8.10 Savannah Smiles 8.40 Spectacular Style Chester 5.55 Steel Drum 6.25 Calico Blue 6.55 Miami Matrix 7.25 Miss Herschel 7.55 Love Beach 8.25 Maharajas Express 8.55 Petra Celera In the main supporting race, the Group Two July Stakes, Eve Johnson Houghton celebrated her second high-profile juvenile success in less than a month as Zavateri, the 18-1 outsider of the six runners, ran out an impressive winner. 'He and Havana Hurricane [the Windsor Castle Stakes winner at Royal Ascot] are different horses and never work together,' Johnson Houghton said. 'I think Zavateri could stretch to a mile next season, he's got the pedigree for it.' Zavateri is a 33-1 chance with Paddy Power for next season's 2,000 Guineas, and 8-1 from 50-1 for the Gimcrack Stakes at York next month.
Rhyl Journal
22-05-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
BHA imposes deadlines for weighing room upgrades
Racecourses that have committed to complete the required work by December 31, 2026 may face sanctions if they fail to do so, whereas the remaining 12 racecourses have until then end of December 2027 to comply or they will be unable to stage a fixture until the redevelopment has been completed. Racecourses are also required to provide a dedicated warm-up area, including the necessary equipment, by no later than July 31 this year. There are 14 racecourses who have completed their upgrades already, including at York where a female valet is based in the women's changing area, and 14 further tracks are expected to finish their redevelopments in 2025. The remainder of British tracks have to observe the new deadlines, and dispensation will only be considered should issues arise that are beyond the venue's immediate control, such as delays due to heritage listings, planning restrictions or environmental damage from, for example, flooding or fire. Brant Dunshea, the BHA's acting chief executive officer, said: 'Our jockeys are elite athletes and the facilities they use should reflect this. We understand the disappointment that the work has taken longer than expected, especially as where racecourses have completed their upgrades, the new layout works well and the feedback is very positive. 'The firm deadlines we are announcing today are hopefully a significant step forward. They are underpinned by clear regulatory action and linked directly to a racecourse's licence to hold fixtures. 'We hope that this action provides reassurance to jockeys, valets, officials and everyone else operating in a weighing room on a raceday about our commitment to delivering the necessary improvements – and doing so as quickly as possible.' The Professional Jockeys Association has criticised the BHA's deadlines, saying members will have to use 'sub-standard and discriminatory facilities' for a further two years, with the riders' group considering the 'next steps' to be taken. A statement read: 'On the surface, this announcement from the BHA is a positive step forward. However, on closer inspection this doesn't really change anything other than enforcing existing BHA General Instructions on warm-up areas/equipment and ensuring that all Jockey Club Racecourse venues complete by the end of 2027 rather than 2030, which we know from recent discussions with JCR that they were already planning. 'We are therefore extremely disappointed, particularly on behalf of our significant female membership, with the BHA board for its continued failure to grip this issue whilst dressingup their decision as progress. 'We are effectively in the position we were at the start of 2024 when the BHA board and Racecourse Association agreed to extend the completion deadline from October 2024 to December 2027, a decision we vehemently opposed. 'We would like to reiterate our sincere thanks to those racecourses who have already completed the upgrades or are very close to doing so. We also welcome the new-found focus and engagement from many racecourses on this project following recent media coverage of the inadequate and often discriminatory facilities our members have had to endure at many racecourses. 'Given the financial climate, we could have accepted some delay to the completion of the project if the works would be complete for a racecourse's first fixture of their new season in 2026. But we cannot accept that our members will have to endure sub-standard and discriminatory facilities at up to 12 racecourses well into 2027 and we will have to consider our next steps.' The RCA feels the BHA announcement provides 'clarity' with those completing upgrades by the end of next year having a 'suitable time' to complete their projects, while the December 2027 deadline gives 'a clear backstop to agree a costed and feasible plan' for tracks continuing work beyond 2026. It added: 'The RCA will continue to work closely with colleagues at the BHA and PJA via the project working group to support our members in meeting these timelines. We would echo the statement made by the BHA for any areas of concern held by participants with regards to weighing rooms to be reported as soon as possible, so that we may review and take action if needed.'
South Wales Guardian
21-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
BHA imposes deadlines for weighing room upgrades
Racecourses that have committed to complete the required work by December 31, 2026 may face sanctions if they fail to do so, whereas the remaining 12 racecourses have until then end of December 2027 to comply or they will be unable to stage a fixture until the redevelopment has been completed. Racecourses are also required to provide a dedicated warm-up area, including the necessary equipment, by no later than July 31 this year. There are 14 racecourses who have completed their upgrades already, including at York where a female valet is based in the women's changing area, and 14 further tracks are expected to finish their redevelopments in 2025. The remainder of British tracks have to observe the new deadlines, and dispensation will only be considered should issues arise that are beyond the venue's immediate control, such as delays due to heritage listings, planning restrictions or environmental damage from, for example, flooding or fire. Brant Dunshea, the BHA's acting chief executive officer, said: 'Our jockeys are elite athletes and the facilities they use should reflect this. We understand the disappointment that the work has taken longer than expected, especially as where racecourses have completed their upgrades, the new layout works well and the feedback is very positive. 'The firm deadlines we are announcing today are hopefully a significant step forward. They are underpinned by clear regulatory action and linked directly to a racecourse's licence to hold fixtures. 'We hope that this action provides reassurance to jockeys, valets, officials and everyone else operating in a weighing room on a raceday about our commitment to delivering the necessary improvements – and doing so as quickly as possible.' The Professional Jockeys Association has criticised the BHA's deadlines, saying members will have to use 'sub-standard and discriminatory facilities' for a further two years, with the riders' group considering the 'next steps' to be taken. A statement read: 'On the surface, this announcement from the BHA is a positive step forward. However, on closer inspection this doesn't really change anything other than enforcing existing BHA General Instructions on warm-up areas/equipment and ensuring that all Jockey Club Racecourse venues complete by the end of 2027 rather than 2030, which we know from recent discussions with JCR that they were already planning. 'We are therefore extremely disappointed, particularly on behalf of our significant female membership, with the BHA board for its continued failure to grip this issue whilst dressingup their decision as progress. 'We are effectively in the position we were at the start of 2024 when the BHA board and Racecourse Association agreed to extend the completion deadline from October 2024 to December 2027, a decision we vehemently opposed. 'We would like to reiterate our sincere thanks to those racecourses who have already completed the upgrades or are very close to doing so. We also welcome the new-found focus and engagement from many racecourses on this project following recent media coverage of the inadequate and often discriminatory facilities our members have had to endure at many racecourses. 'Given the financial climate, we could have accepted some delay to the completion of the project if the works would be complete for a racecourse's first fixture of their new season in 2026. But we cannot accept that our members will have to endure sub-standard and discriminatory facilities at up to 12 racecourses well into 2027 and we will have to consider our next steps.' The RCA feels the BHA announcement provides 'clarity' with those completing upgrades by the end of next year having a 'suitable time' to complete their projects, while the December 2027 deadline gives 'a clear backstop to agree a costed and feasible plan' for tracks continuing work beyond 2026. It added: 'The RCA will continue to work closely with colleagues at the BHA and PJA via the project working group to support our members in meeting these timelines. We would echo the statement made by the BHA for any areas of concern held by participants with regards to weighing rooms to be reported as soon as possible, so that we may review and take action if needed.'
Leader Live
21-05-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
BHA imposes deadlines for weighing room upgrades
Racecourses that have committed to complete the required work by December 31, 2026 may face sanctions if they fail to do so, whereas the remaining 12 racecourses have until then end of December 2027 to comply or they will be unable to stage a fixture until the redevelopment has been completed. Racecourses are also required to provide a dedicated warm-up area, including the necessary equipment, by no later than July 31 this year. There are 14 racecourses who have completed their upgrades already, including at York where a female valet is based in the women's changing area, and 14 further tracks are expected to finish their redevelopments in 2025. The remainder of British tracks have to observe the new deadlines, and dispensation will only be considered should issues arise that are beyond the venue's immediate control, such as delays due to heritage listings, planning restrictions or environmental damage from, for example, flooding or fire. Brant Dunshea, the BHA's acting chief executive officer, said: 'Our jockeys are elite athletes and the facilities they use should reflect this. We understand the disappointment that the work has taken longer than expected, especially as where racecourses have completed their upgrades, the new layout works well and the feedback is very positive. 'The firm deadlines we are announcing today are hopefully a significant step forward. They are underpinned by clear regulatory action and linked directly to a racecourse's licence to hold fixtures. 'We hope that this action provides reassurance to jockeys, valets, officials and everyone else operating in a weighing room on a raceday about our commitment to delivering the necessary improvements – and doing so as quickly as possible.' The Professional Jockeys Association has criticised the BHA's deadlines, saying members will have to use 'sub-standard and discriminatory facilities' for a further two years, with the riders' group considering the 'next steps' to be taken. A statement read: 'On the surface, this announcement from the BHA is a positive step forward. However, on closer inspection this doesn't really change anything other than enforcing existing BHA General Instructions on warm-up areas/equipment and ensuring that all Jockey Club Racecourse venues complete by the end of 2027 rather than 2030, which we know from recent discussions with JCR that they were already planning. 'We are therefore extremely disappointed, particularly on behalf of our significant female membership, with the BHA board for its continued failure to grip this issue whilst dressingup their decision as progress. 'We are effectively in the position we were at the start of 2024 when the BHA board and Racecourse Association agreed to extend the completion deadline from October 2024 to December 2027, a decision we vehemently opposed. 'We would like to reiterate our sincere thanks to those racecourses who have already completed the upgrades or are very close to doing so. We also welcome the new-found focus and engagement from many racecourses on this project following recent media coverage of the inadequate and often discriminatory facilities our members have had to endure at many racecourses. 'Given the financial climate, we could have accepted some delay to the completion of the project if the works would be complete for a racecourse's first fixture of their new season in 2026. But we cannot accept that our members will have to endure sub-standard and discriminatory facilities at up to 12 racecourses well into 2027 and we will have to consider our next steps.' The RCA feels the BHA announcement provides 'clarity' with those completing upgrades by the end of next year having a 'suitable time' to complete their projects, while the December 2027 deadline gives 'a clear backstop to agree a costed and feasible plan' for tracks continuing work beyond 2026. It added: 'The RCA will continue to work closely with colleagues at the BHA and PJA via the project working group to support our members in meeting these timelines. We would echo the statement made by the BHA for any areas of concern held by participants with regards to weighing rooms to be reported as soon as possible, so that we may review and take action if needed.'
