The first stage of the British Thoroughbred industry’s tender process to identify future providers of equine diagnostic services contributing to disease surveillance closed on 5 October 2020. The industry received ten submissions ranging from substantial commercial laboratories to research laboratories attached to some the UK’s leading universities.

After a rigorous selection process, the Steering Group led by Stephen Atkin, has identified a short list of five laboratories, both commercial and university-based, for further technical and commercial discussions over the next month.

In conjunction with the tender exercise, the Steering Group has initiated a wider review looking at the various options for the optimum model for infectious disease surveillance and control. The Review, led by Dr David Rendle, representing the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) and supported by a group of eminent senior veterinary specialists, both commercial and academic, is due to report at the end of next month and its findings will inform the tender process.

Stephen Atkin, former CEO of the Racecourse Association and Steering Group Lead, commented

“We were encouraged by the level of interest that the ITT attracted, and by the range and quality of the submissions. Following a rigorous assessment we are confident that we have selected the five best candidates for further technical and financial discussions. At this stage we have a number of options open to us, either a single contract or a network of providers. The wider review should also provide some valuable input into this process. We are of course resolved to find the best solution for the Sport moving forward.”