New schemes to help connect the dots once horses leave racing

The Horse Welfare Board is seeking to achieve 100% traceability of horses

- LUCY ELDER

A NEW initiative should help connect the dots in real time as horses step out of racing.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) made the data-sharing agreement as part of the aim to close gaps in traceability and understand thoroughbreds' post-racing lives better.

It enables RoR to contact owners once a non-racing agreement is signed on the BHA's database and the data is passed to RoR.

HELP WITH NEXT STEPS

OWNERS are invited by RoR to complete a short survey to confirm each horse's status, future plans and, if applicable, to register the horse with RoR. This allows RoR to gather data on horses' whereabouts and next steps. It offers owners free support and resources, including retraining advice, education and information about RoR activities.

“The moment a horse retires is a crucial transition point, and this ensures we can connect with the new keeper without delay,” said RoR managing director David Catlow.