THE introduction of professional stewards on racedays will be considered in a new review launched this week by the British Horseracing Authority.

According to the BHA, the aim of the consultation is to gather views on how to maintain the highest standards of racecourse decision-making as the sport modernises and becomes increasingly complex to regulate.

This consultation comes soon after the BHA implemented the proposals of the Quinlan Review, which increased the independence of its judicial functions, including the Disciplinary Panel which deals with referrals by stewards from the racecourse and appeals against the stewards’ decisions.

Both Ireland and Britain share the same stewarding model, involving a mix of honorary stewards – who are unpaid volunteers – and stipendiary stewards – who are full time. In Britain the ‘stipes’ are employed by the BHA, in Ireland they are Turf Club employees.

This consultation will be an eight-week process. Detailed recommendations will be developed by the BHA and the resulting options will then be the subject of further consultation, involving the key stakeholders in racing.

Jamie Stier, chief regulatory officer for the BHA, said: “We have seen other major sports move to fully professional referees and we believe it is against this background that the time is right to consult to see what is the most appropriate model for taking the stewarding of horseracing forward in the future.

“Horseracing has relied on the massive commitment of honorary stewards throughout our history – people who are not only volunteers but also passionate participants in the grassroots of our sport and some of whom are owners.

“In consulting on change, we seek to respect the contribution that our honorary stewards have made in the past and to listen carefully to the many participants right across our sport before deciding on the right direction for the future.”

OWNERSHIP CHANGE

Also this week, the BHA announced plans to reform racehorse ownership categories at the end of this month. The five ownership types will be classified as sole, company, partnership, syndicate and racing club.

The biggest change is to joint ownerships, which will become partnerships.

All partnerships will be required to have a name. For existing ownerships without a name, unless the BHA is informed otherwise, the partnership name will become the same as the racecard name.