The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has put integrity at the forefront of its newest online education programme which seeks to inform both the racing and betting public about how they can contribute towards the protection of integrity in British racing.
The Integrity Education Programme aims to provide additional information on the safeguarding processes involved across the industry, with the purpose of ‘offer protection against potential integrity threats and help to prevent participants from inadvertently acting in a manner which falls short of the sport’s Rules.’
Chris Watts, Head of Integrity at the BHA, said:“This programme has been a number of years in the making following a recommendation in the 2016 Integrity Review and above all is designed to help and protect participants and educate the betting and racing public.
“We’ve gone to great lengths to try and ensure that what can be some technical and complicated areas of our integrity work are explained in as clear and easy to understand a way as possible.
“Hopefully all those who use the website will come away with a greater knowledge of how we work to keep racing fair and clean, which will help them both to avoid inadvertent breaches of the Rules and provide guidance should they be faced with a potential integrity issue in the future.”
The online platform lists key integrity issues, including: the BHA’s integrity and regulation; capabilities; equine anti-doping; corrupt approaches and inside information; and betting practices.
The programme will offer insight from former jockeys, stable staff as well as racing broadcaster Nick Luck who will share their experiences and give advice on the matter.
Luck, who was involved with the project, added: “Newly licensed personnel and those whose livelihoods depend on racing are doubtless aware of some of the more obvious regulatory transgressions. But their access to privileged information or their recently acquired public profile can lead them quite unwittingly into situations that threaten both the integrity of the sport and the reputations of the individuals concerned.
“As such, this is an excellent initiative from the BHA, and one which is likely to block off certain avenues for corruption.”
Mick Fitzgerald, Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand National winning rider and BHA Jockey Coach, concluded: “If you work in racing you have to be aware of what is allowed and what isn’t, and the pitfalls associated with that. It’s also vitally important that those looking in from the outside are aware of how the sport’s integrity is protected.
“This microsite has masses of helpful information and is quick and easy to access, so it is well worth taking a look no matter your relationship with racing.”
