Bill Adams, National Secretary of the Stable Lads Association (SLA) since 1986, has decided to step down from the role. He informed BHB of his decision at a meeting held at BHB’s offices in central London on Wednesday evening, and has tendered his resignation to the SLA’s Trustees with immediate effect.

The BHB Board, at its own scheduled meeting on Thursday, at which a report of the SLA’s recent activities and future plans was considered, decided to suspend payments made to the SLA under Order 194. All such monies will be held in an escrow account, with a view to payments being reinstated once the organisation is again fully functional.

At Mr Adams’ request, BHB has agreed to provide every assistance to the SLA in this interim period, which will include the National Committee being brought together to discuss next steps. It is anticipated that the SLA’s office will remain operational, with its Financial Secretary on hand to deal with all enquiries.

Bill Adams said: “In keeping with everything I have done in the last twenty years, I have reached my decision because I believe it to be in the best interests of stable staff in this country.”

BHB Chairman Martin Broughton said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Bill on behalf of the entire sport for his dedication towards its key workforce. His MBE in 2000 was well deserved and he can be proud of his many achievements for stable staff during his tenure.

“However, the SLA in its current form has not proved able to keep pace with Racing’s modernisation in recent years, and it is vital that a number of reforms are made that enable it to become a more effective voice for its members.”

Note

Since March 2001, the SLA has received direct payment of 0.15% of Prize Money under Rule 194. The money had previously been paid directly to stable staff as pool money.