The UKs horse racing governing body, the BHA, recently stressed the significance of collaborating with lawmakers and government representatives to support the entire horse racing sector. They underscored their strong connections with prominent figures such as Stuart Andrew and Lord Douglas-Miller, both affiliated with the Conservative Party, who maintain close working relationships with the BHA.
Acknowledging the necessity of cross-party engagement, the BHA affirmed their dedication to future collaborations with the Labour Party and members of the shadow cabinet.
To bolster their outreach initiatives, the BHA, in conjunction with other racing entities, recently organized a well-received parliamentary gathering. This event convened Members of Parliament, government ministers, and representatives from the wagering industry to deliberate on critical matters impacting horse racing.
The piece further elaborates that oddsmakers presently predict the upcoming general election to occur in the autumn. Armed with this knowledge, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is diligently working to pinpoint prospective parliamentary candidates (PPCs) within crucial racing constituencies.
The BHA has observed a considerable number of Labour PPCs who appear likely to capture seats from the Conservatives. This holds particular significance for the BHA’s objectives.
To advance their agenda, the BHA will persist in welcoming Members of Parliament to racing functions, viewing these as worthwhile occasions to engage with political figures.
This development comes on the heels of the Gambling Commission’s selection of former BHA Chief Executive Nick Rust as the inaugural chair of its industry forum late last year.