Redundancies likely after BHA review

A new role of raceday integrity officers is being proposed as part of a shake-up by the British Horseracing Authority.

The first stage of the BHA’s operational review recommends the merging of certain positions in a bid to improve raceday efficiencies.

As 42 members of staff from three groups would be at risk of redundancy, the BHA will consult with them and the relevant trade union as part of the process before deciding to go ahead with the plan which would amount to the equivalent of 26 full-time positions.

BHA chief executive Paul Bittar said: “Our driver behind these specific changes is to create a more flexible and efficient raceday service within the stable yard area; one that is commensurate with the current regulatory needs and risks, as well as the economics of the sport.

“Our objective was not simply to save costs, although providing cost efficient regulatory services to British Racing is one of our over-arching goals.”