JOE Hernon, chairman of the European Federation of Thoroughbred Breeders Associations, has welcomed news from Britain that a House of Commons select committee is calling on the UK Government “to support the British thoroughbred sector through securing a replacement to the Tripartite Agreement and engaging with the industry on its digital solutions to support expedited thoroughbred movement”.

Movement of thoroughbreds between Ireland, Britain and France has fallen by as much as 60% since Britain left the European Union and the demise of the Tripartite Agreement. Significant increases in costs and administration have made it more difficult for horse owners and breeders to move horses between jurisdictions.

Since last January, lobbying from Horse Racing Ireland and the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association has seen a number of obstacles to trade removed. However, major problems still remain, including allowing broodmares to be accompanied by their foals when travelling between Ireland and Britain to be covered. Now there is optimism that a replacement for the Tripartite Agreement is within reach.

Reacting to this week’s news from Britain, Hernon said: “This is a very positive step in the right direction for EFTBA and the proposals we have been championing for some time now. We need all the support we can get as momentum and public opinion is the only way we can get this important matter over the line.

“The acceptance of these protocols will aid and assist the free movement of our high health breeding stock, which will hopefully advance the movements for next year’s breeding season.”

Next week representatives from the Irish bloodstock industry will meet with Department of Agriculture veterinary officers (DVOs) to ask for their help in getting the proposals over the line, in a move that is being replicated across Europe.

Hernon told The Irish Field: “We are confident of their support but then we need to get it sanctioned ‘upstairs’ in Brussels.” Horses imported to Britain from Ireland are still subject to 20% VAT post-Brexit. Hernon said: “The VAT issue is outside of our remit but if we can get clearance for young foals to travel with mares next spring then that will be an important victory.”

Select committee

The House of Commons report recommends that the British Government should work with the EU to formulate a ‘high health status’ agreement to replace Tripartite Agreement for thoroughbred movement, and that the UK Government should embrace digital systems for equine identification and utilise industry solutions.

Britain’s Thoroughbred Industries Brexit Steering Group welcomed the news.

Ross Hamilton of the British Horseracing Authority, who provided oral evidence to the committee, said: “The implementation of a high health status for the expedited movement of thoroughbreds for racing and breeding purposes, utilising the digital solutions such as the Weatherbys ePassport already in place in our industry, is an objective which has support across the British and European thoroughbred sector.

“It will help support our industry’s clear aim to raise animal welfare and health standards further, and improve traceability of thoroughbreds throughout their lives.”

Julian Richmond-Watson, chairman of Britain’s Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, added: “Sustaining the symbiotic trading relationship between the UK, Ireland and France is critical to our future.

“Our counterparts in both Ireland and France concur that implementing systems to ensure high health status and removing barriers to movement of horses will be mutually beneficial.”