The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) are today pleased to announce the launch of the second year of the British Horseracing Grant Scheme – designed to support worthwhile projects involved in, and associated with, the British Thoroughbred Racing and Breeding Industries.

The Scheme, administered by the BHA on behalf of the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport – is funded by British Horseracing’s share of the net proceeds from the sale of the Tote in 2011.

Many projects are already benefiting from almost £800,000 of funding from the British Horseracing Grant Scheme last year – with 32 successful applications to the Scheme. These included:

• The Horse Comes First – An industry backed initiative to increase awareness of the high standards of equine welfare within British Racing both during and after a horse’s career.
• British Champions Series – A campaign utilising fans of the sport to increase, diversify and enhance the Racing fanbase and enjoyment of a raceday – including the use of Racemakers at British Champions Series races in 2013.
• Newton Abbot – A season-long trial of a new hurdle design developed by the BHA Course Inspectorate and supported by the RCA, NTF and PJA.
• Injured Jockeys Fund – Part-funding of the Jockey Fitness Academy at Oaksey House in Lambourn.

The British Horseracing Grant Scheme is today launching its second year of applications – with £800,000 of funding available.

Paul Bittar, Chief Executive of the BHA, said:

“After a successful first year, in which the Awards Committee was impressed by the diversity of applications to the Scheme, we are in the second year looking to promote pan-industry applications for this important source of funding.

“By targeting the share of the proceeds from the sale of the Tote received by the British Horseracing Grant Scheme for 2013-14, we are, in liaison with The Racing Foundation, aiming to further lay the groundwork for a long-term legacy from the sale of the Tote for the British Racing industry.”

All applications to the British Horseracing Grant Scheme are assessed in three stages:

1. How the proposed application will be of benefit to the British Thoroughbred Racing and Breeding industries. Applicants must satisfy at least one of fourteen aims of the Scheme – details of which can be found at the webpage stage.britishhorseracing.com/grant_scheme.
2. Compliance with European Union regulations on State Aid, as the funds for the British Horseracing Grant Scheme are provided by Government. Guidance on State Aid regulations and how these affect potential applicants can also be found on the Grant Scheme webpage.
3. An analysis of the application including, but not limited to, value for money, timescales and milestones, sustainability of the project, and financial and personnel details.

Any application to the British Horseracing Grant Scheme must pass these criteria in order to be successful.

The application process shall be open for approximately three months – with submissions due by the close of business on Monday 23^rd September 2013. Applications will then be considered by the Grant Scheme Administrative team at the BHA, with recommendations made to the Awards Committee meeting in late October. Successful applicants for funding will be notified in early November 2013. This schedule is subject to change.

The British Horseracing Grant Scheme Awards Committee – comprised of representatives of the BHA, Racecourse Association (RCA) and Horsemen’s Group – have determined that the £800,000 of available funding shall be targeted towards the following areas:

• £100,000 to a fund for Aid for small and medium-sized enterprises
• £100,000 to a fund for Training Aid
• £100,000 to a fund for Aid for research and development and innovation
• £400,000 a fund for De Minimis exemption applications – £200,000 of which shall be for capital projects. Further guidance on permissible grants for capital expenditure will be released in due course.
• £100,000 will be allocated to any of the above funds as required – determined by the total number and combined quantum of applications to each fund.

The Awards Committee reserves the right to alter the distribution of funds between these respective areas – based on factors including, but not limited to, the quality, volume and quantum of applications to each respective fund.